Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 May 2017
246. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Government is on track to meet the objective in policy 4.1 of the national cycle policy framework that by 2020 the environment in the immediate vicinity of schools will be a safe and attractive low speed environment with speed limits strictly enforced and drop off by car within a given distance restricted. [22353/17]
View answer247. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps which have been taken to encourage use by local authorities of special equipment to maintain and sweep off road cycle tracks and cycleways in pursuance of policy 5.4 of the national cycle policy framework. [22354/17]
View answer248. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps which have been taken to ensure that local authorities provide mobile guarded bicycle parking facilities to let for special events (details supplied) in pursuance of policy 7.3 of the national cycle policy framework. [22355/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 246 to 248, inclusive, together.
While significant progress has been made under a number of objectives contained in the National Cycle Policy Framework (NCPF) it has not been possible for my Department, other Government departments and local authorities to deliver on many of the objectives due to the significant scaling back in overall public investment since the launch of the NCPF in 2009.
However, the NCPF has been integrated into the Development Plans of the majority of local authorities so ensuring that the objectives and policies to support and promote cycling are taken account of in current and future planning.
In 2013 and 2015 my Department requested local authorities and other stakeholders for an update on progress on implementation of the actions set out in the NCPF. The Department now intends to undertake a full review of the framework and we will be pursuing this year.
In response to the specific question about objective 4.1, I would point out that local authorities already have the powers to enforce speed limit and parking restrictions in the vicinity of schools.
