Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
973. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has engaged with local authorities regarding the extension of footpaths and the creation of temporary cycle lanes in towns and cities nationwide; and if supports will be provided to implement measures which support social distancing. [5660/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1070. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure pedestrians, cyclists and those with limited mobility can move safely through towns and cities during the Covid-19 pandemic; his views on a general scheme of cycle and walkway installation and or improvement and footpath widening; the details of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6760/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1092. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional funding will be provided to facilitate measures to support additional space and social distancing for cycling and walking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6997/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 973, 1070 and 1092 together.
I can inform the Deputies that the National Transport Authority (NTA) is working with local authorities to develop COVID Mobility Frameworks for each of the cities.
These Frameworks will set out specific plans to deliver improvements such as
- Widened footpaths
- Temporary protected cycle facilities, including new contra-flow routes
- Revised bus routings and bus priority measures; and
- Enhanced pedestrian priority zones.
The first of these Frameworks is being developed with Dublin City Council and it is intended that similar plans will be implemented in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford and I can confirm that relevant works identified will be funded through the NTA under my Department’s Sustainable Mobility Investment Programme.
I understand that the initial draft of the Dublin City plan will be available this week and it will set out the measures that will put in place in the coming weeks and months to facilitate the reopening of society and business generally.
I expect the situation will be kept under review by the NTA and the local authorities in the coming weeks and months and any plans developed now will be subject to amendment as required.
