Cycling Facilities Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014

Tuesday, 24 June 2014

Questions (690)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

690. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the strategy for greenway development in Wicklow; if an implementation process has been put in place; if a time frame has been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27178/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

The National Transport Authority (in cooperation with Wicklow County Council) is the body responsible for the delivery of cycling infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).  Detailed plans for the development of cycling infrastructure in Wicklow are contained in the National Transport Authority's Cycle Network Plan for the GDA.  I am copying your request to the NTA for follow up in relation to delivery timeframes.  Please contact my office if you have not received a response from the NTA within 10 working days of this response.  It should be noted that responsibility for local area cycle infrastructure development rests with Wicklow County Council (WCC) as the competent authority.  

Separately, my Department received two proposals from WCC under the National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2014-2016 for the delivery of the Woodenbridge to Aughrim Greenway and the Blessington Greenway.  While the applications submitted by the Council were of a high standard, it was not possible to award funding on this occasion as the number of applications significantly outweighed the level of funding available at this time.  While these proposals were not successful, I look forward to the participation of WCC in future funding initiatives.  It is likely, given the popularity and success of the greenways already delivered, that funding may become available from other sources over the coming years.

It is also worth noting that the EU Structural Funds Programme 2014 to 2020 is currently being finalised and there may be significant opportunities for cycle infrastructure development and promotion under the various sub programmes. I understand that many local authorities are already positioning themselves to avail of such opportunities.