Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2013
19. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he will support initiatives that aim to improve the urban cycling experience for commuters in large urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22975/13]
View answerThe Programme for Government set out its commitment to invest in the National Cycle Policy. As you would expect, the greatest potential for increasing cycling numbers will occur within urban areas and my Department is aiming to improve the urban cycling experience through direct investment in cycling infrastructure.
In 2012, I launched a €65 million multi-annual investment programme for sustainable transport measures to cover the period 2012-2016. The majority of this funding will be invested in cities and towns around the country under the Smarter Travel Areas and Active Travel Towns Programmes. Cycling infrastructure and the promotion of cycling are key elements of each of these Programmes.
Funding is also being made available for the development of the National Cycle Network with the aim of improving urban, interurban and rural cycling facilities. Significant investment has already been made in 2012 and 2013 with €7 million allocated to 18 projects across Ireland. As this phase of the programme will expire at the end of 2013, it is my intention to initiate a new funding call later this year to provide, through a competitive process, a further tranche of funding for the remainder of the years to 2016.
My Department also works closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) which provides funding to local authorities for the development of cycling infrastructure in the regional cities and Greater Dublin Area. The NTA has published a comprehensive design manual for the provision of cycle routes, particularly in urban areas, and this is available at www.cyclemanual.ie. Dissemination of best practice and facilitation of appropriate cycle infrastructure design training are also key roles of the Smarter Travel Local Authority Network developed by my Department.
In addition to all these initiatives, my Department and the NTA are also committed to expanding the very successful Dublin Bikes scheme and work is well advanced on finalising proposals to introduce similar schemes in regional cities.
