Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2019
547. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to consultations undertaken by his counterpart in France (details supplied); his plans to engage in a similar fashion with an organisation here on the development of a comprehensive policy regarding cycling here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5010/19]
View answerI thank the Deputy for bringing this matter to my attention, I was not aware of the French Minister's consultation with the particular organisation referred to by the Deputy.
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department has committed to undertake a review of public transport policy “to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy”. This is line with a commitment given in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
This review is a significant and substantial resource commitment and my Department has commenced and substantially completed the research and analysis required to inform the proposed period of public consultation which I expect to launch in the near future.
The review is premised on the concept of integrated and sustainable transport, in keeping with the objectives of Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Future which formed the overarching policy backdrop to the development of the National Cycling Policy Framework. As part of the overall review therefore, analysis of the National Cycling Policy Framework , its implementation and impact is being conducted and will be published as part of the overall review.
Last year, as part of this review I hosted a Public Transport Stakeholder Forum in the Mansion House at which representatives from a broad spectrum of interest groups in the wider public and sustainable transport sector attended, including those representing cyclists.
As stated I expect to initiate a public consultation process in the coming months and I look forward to engaging with the public on this important work.
