Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 July 2016
822. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for a pedestrian strategy as promised in the smarter travel policy some years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23909/16]
View answer823. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the implementation of the smarter travel policy; and if the targets contained therein have been met. [23910/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 822 and 823 together.
The delivery of a sustainable and low carbon transport system for Ireland is an important priority for the Government. The Programme for Partnership Government commits that future investment in our public transport system will uphold the principles of smarter travel. Under the Capital Plan, €100 million is being committed to smarter travel and carbon reduction measures, including cycling greenways and other cycling and walking infrastructure. We have also committed to supporting the extension of the existing public bike schemes in a number of our cities and driving the roll-out of additional schemes in other areas.
Smarter travel has been delivered in a number of towns throughout the country under Smarter Travel programmes such as Active Travel Towns, Smarter Travel Areas and National Cycle Networks. Significant investment has also been made in cycling greenways and in cycling infrastructure in urban areas. In Dublin, the recently published 2015 Canal Cordon Count demonstrates how effective the investment in cycling in Dublin has been. It shows that there has been a steady year on year growth in the number of cyclists crossing the cordon in the morning peak - almost 11,000 in 2015, an increase of 125% when compared with 2006.
In creating a culture of walking in Ireland it is important to ensure that walking is a safe and pleasant experience. There is a strong convergence between walking and cycling as alternative and sustainable transport modes. Accordingly, funding resources are aimed at progressing both walking and cycling as means of everyday transport for leisure and commuting.
