Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Transport when he expects the key objectives of the national cycling policy framework will be rolled out; when the Sutton to Sandycove cycle track will be finished; his views on reports that the 22 km cycle track may cost €7 million per kilometre to build; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23503/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The key objectives under Ireland's first National Cycle Policy Framework (NCPF) are to create a culture of cycling in Ireland and to achieve a 10% share of the travel market for cycling by 2020. I have already commenced delivery of actions under the NCPF, including National Bike Week, which is taking place this week, and through approval of demonstration projects such as the delivery of premium cycling infrastructure in Galway City. I currently have a number of worthwhile proposals in other local authority areas under active consideration.

Insofar as the Sutton to Sandycove route (S2S) is concerned, my Department has been meeting Dublin City Council specifically on this issue and in relation to a number of other premium cycle routes which I am anxious to progress.

I have previously expressed my concern to Dublin City Council about the potential cost of proposals that are emerging in relation to the S2S. I am particularly concerned in relation to any expectation that the provision of premium cycling infrastructure along this route must necessarily involve very substantial costs associated with design approaches which are not appropriate to the current economic circumstances or are primarily related to coastal protection works, as may be evident from figures such as are referred to in the Question.

Both the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and I have pledged funding of €5 million for this route and other infrastructure between now and the end of 2010 but this is dependent on a cost effective solution focused on the cycle route itself.