Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018
71. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider a feasibility study for the provision of a segregated cycle lane to be constructed with the MetroLink project in the interests of increasing green and sustainable transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25334/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development and implementation of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail and cycling.
Recently the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) launched a public consultation on the details in relation to the "Emerging Preferred Route" for the MetroLink Project, which extends between Swords and Sandyford. I am not aware of any plans for the NTA or TII to carry out a feasibility study as suggested by the Deputy.
However I am delighted to inform the Deputy that the BusConnects programme, launched last year by the NTA, will address the needs of current and future cyclists as well as pedestrians and bus users. It is envisaged that BusConnects will see the delivery of a network of key cycle routes delivered as an integral component of the core bus corridors in and out of the city and not just confined to the corridor that will be served by MetroLink. These cycling facilities, provided along each corridor, will be segregated as far as practicable from other traffic.
NTA have calculated that, as part of the BusConnects investment, over 200kms of cycle tracks/lanes will be either built or current lanes improved. The cycling infrastructure delivered under this programme will deliver a radical step-change in cycling facilities in Dublin.
