Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022
221. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Transport the status of National Cycling Policy Framework 2009-2020; if the Ministerial directive declaring it national policy has been revoked; if it will be replaced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18927/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraToday, on 7th April 2022, I am publishing the new Sustainable Mobility Policy which builds on and replaces the active travel policy set out in the National Cycling Policy Framework 2009-2020.
The new policy sets out a strategic framework to 2030 for walking, cycling and public transport to support Ireland's overall requirement to achieve a 51% reduction in carbon emissions by the end of this decade. The policy primarily focuses on measures to promote and facilitate active travel and public transport for all and, in doing so, encourage less private car journeys nationally to support our climate commitment.
The targets of the policy are aligned with the transport target metrics in the Climate Action Plan 2021 of 500,000 additional daily active travel and public transport journeys and a 10% reduction in kilometres driven by fossil fuelled cars by 2030.
A collaborative approach has been taken by my Department in developing the Sustainable Mobility Policy through public consultation and extensive stakeholder engagement. The policy includes a comprehensive set of actions to be completed by 2025 to increase walking and cycling infrastructure provision and improve public transport capacity and services across the country. These will be supported by behavioural change and demand management measures to make sustainable modes the preferred choice for as many people as possible. A further action plan will then be developed to cover the remaining period of the policy out to 2030.
The new policy is underpinned by capital funding under the National Development Plan which provides €35 billion for transport over the next decade. As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government has committed to Exchequer spending of approximately €360 million per annum on walking and cycling over the lifetime of the Government. This investment will help support the planned delivery of almost 1,000 kilometres of improved walking and cycling infrastructure by 2025 as well as additional investment in greenways.
I look forward to working with the Deputy on the implementation of the new Sustainable Mobility Policy in the coming years.
