Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2006
417 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Transport the measures in place in his Department to promote greater use of cycling as a mode of transport; the incentives in place to encourage the construction of more cycleways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41327/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraCycling is an important part of the Government's commitment under Transport 21 to increase modal share of public transport through infrastructure and service improvements and to encourage a transfer of trips from the private car to more sustainable modes of transport.
While the actual provision of cycle ways and cycle parking is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant local authorities, my Department provides funding to the local authorities for the development of such facilities. Approximately €30m has been provided by my Department to the Dublin Transportation Office for the provision of specific cycling facilities in the Greater Dublin Area since 1994. €1m was provided in 2005 and €2.2m in 2006. The investment of bus priority funding and cycling-only spending has resulted in some 300 kms of cycle facilities being provided, as well as cycle parking facilities throughout the GDA.
The Dublin Transportation Office has recently adopted a Cycle Policy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) over the coming years. The policy proposes to enhance the cycling environment in the GDA and promote safe cycling by a variety of means, including creating a continuous cycle-friendly environment on cycle routes and training and education measures. My Department will assist the roll out of this plan through the provision of funding.
Outside of Dublin, the framework for the promotion of cycling in the regional cities is set out in the relevant local land use and transportation strategy or in the relevant Development Plan or Local Area Plan. Cork City Council has developed a cycle network strategy. The strategy is currently being delivered as part of the development of a network of "Green Routes" in Cork. In Galway, the City Development Plan includes proposals for improving facilities for cyclists which is now being rolled out, as is also the case in respect of Limerick. Waterford City Development Plan includes proposals for improving facilities for cyclists and an implementation plan is now being prepared by the local authority.
