Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Transport the status of plans for a new cycle path in Dublin city; if these plans will include works to provide cycle paths along the Grand Canal in the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39799/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Dublin City Council has developed plans for an off-road cycle route via the Grand Canal, the new Samuel Beckett Bridge and the Royal Canal to provide a link from Portobello to Fairview Park. I understand from the City Council that elements of the plan are currently on public display in accordance with requirements under the Planning Acts.

While developing and progressing the project is a matter for the City Council, I indicated in September of this year that I would make up to €10 million available over the period 2009 and 2010 towards its delivery. The proposal is an exemplary demonstration project for the purposes of promoting sustainable and smarter travel. It has potential to facilitate both existing and aspiring cyclists on both sides of the city for both commuting and recreational purposes by serving areas of high employment content such as the South Inner City and the IFSC and scenic areas such as Bull Island. The project also seeks to deliver significant improvements to safety for pedestrians and cyclists at eleven road junctions.