Ceist:
174 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the steps, if any, her Department has taken to encourage members of staff to cycle to work; and if she will consider a cycling allowance to promote cycling. [8627/00]
Written Answers. - Cycling Promotion.
My Department is one of six organisations participating in a pilot project which aims to develop a green commuter plan for the staff of each organisation. The project is part financed by the EU under the SAVE II programme and is a joint initiative of the Dublin Transportation Office, the Irish Energy Centre and Kirklees Metropolitan Council in the UK.
Green commuter plans are employer-led initiatives to encourage and facilitate means of travelling to work other than by car. The options being explored to assist the staff in reducing car usage include initiatives to facilitate walking, cycling, public transport usage and car sharing or pooling. I expect the plan to be launched by end of May 2000.
At the moment all the main buildings in which the staff of my Department are working have shower and locker facilities as well as cycling racks and bicycle cages.