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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 3

Written Answers. - Tourism Industry.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

47 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the consultation, if any, he has had with the Dublin Transportation Office and other relevant agencies to ensure tourists using bicycles are adequately catered for in the provision of secure and sheltered bicycle parking and facilities for cycling in general. [11505/00]

Ministerial responsibility for the Dublin Transportation Office and its policy for bicycle use in general is a matter in the main for my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.

In so far as tourism policy is concerned, cycling is a significant niche tourism activity. According to Bord Fáilte estimates, which are based on three year averages, 158,000 overseas visitors come to Ireland annually to enjoy a cycling holiday, mostly in a rural setting. There are now some 100 tourism operators offering either bike rental, cycling holidays, unguided cycle routes or guided cycle tours. In addition to the promotion of cycling packages, the tourism development agencies have also been active in encouraging designation, and signposting, of cycling routes which incorporate a high degree of access to a mix of facilities such as accommodation, food, and attractions along the way, a number of which offer secure and sheltered parking for their cycling visitors.
Tourism strategy under the new national development plan will continue to promote this approach to the ongoing development of our tourist cycling product.
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