Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
852. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions he has taken to increase the number of cyclists; and his future plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13915/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government set out its commitment to invest in the National Cycle Policy in the Programme for Government. The National Cycle Policy calls for a wide programme of actions including investment in cycling infrastructure and soft measures to promote cycling.
Since the introduction of the National Cycle Policy my Department has been administering ongoing funding to local authorities, under a number of initiatives, for the development of urban cycle lanes, greenway cycling trails and progressing the development of a national cycle network.
Under the National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2014-2016 three projects shared in €6.3 million for the delivery of greenways in Kerry, Galway and Waterford. A further 11 greenway or cycleway projects were awarded funding under the €200 million Government Stimulus Package for infrastructural development, €10 million of which was earmarked for the development of greenways. Details of the projects funded can be viewed on the Department's website, www.smartertravel.ie.
The National Transport Authority is responsible for the delivery of cycling infrastructure for the Greater Dublin Region and are investing €13.3 million in projects in Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow during 2015.
I am forwarding a copy of the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct response with regard to details of the projects being funding during 2015. If he has not received a response within 10 working days, he should contact my office.
In addition to funding new on and off-road cycle routes, my Department and the NTA have worked with the local authorities in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick on the introduction and roll-out of the Coke Zero Public Bikes Scheme. Stations and bikes currently in place are as follows: Dublin - 100 stations (1,500) bikes; Cork - 31 stations (330 bikes); Galway - 19 stations (195 bikes); and Limerick - 23 stations (215 bikes).
Along with this substantial capital investment, my Department supports a number of initiatives to promote and develop cycling such as Bike Week, the smarter travel workplaces project and the Green Schools Travel programme. Under the Active Travel Towns programme 2014 to 2016, nine towns will benefit from the investment of €6.5 million in infrastructure and other interventions that support sustainable transport including cycling. In addition, in 2012 Limerick , Dungarvan and Westport were awarded a total of €23 million under the Smarter Travel Areas, a five-year programme to support a modal shift from the car to walking and cycling through the development of walking and cycling infrastructure and other intervention measures. The Government is committed to achieving the ambitious target of having 10% of journeys carried out by bicycle by 2020.
