Ms Eimear Fox:

That is no problem. The Senator brought up a couple of relevant points. I am working at the project level and looking at where we can apply the design principles in a practical way. In terms of cycle infrastructure, one of the issues we are coming across is that where there are rigid technical standards for infrastructure, we need to be able to adapt them to the particular locations and contexts in which we are working. For example, if steep topography is involved, that can be a barrier to women and children. Another barrier is if the cycle paths are too narrow and there is no spot for someone to get off a bike and regroup with his or her child. Having a more adaptable infrastructure that is not so engineer-led and takes into account the local context is important. For example, we are looking to do that with Luas Finglas. We are providing spots for people to rest and where people can go off the cycle track. If someone is cycling along the Royal Canal and feels a particular area is a bit dodgy, there should be an option to go off the cycle track and take an alternative route. We do not need to follow the commuter model that caters for people travelling from A to B, especially in a neighbourhood and local context.

There are many levels of data collection from a census level to a city level. Where we are applying data to the Luas Finglas project, we are finding that the data collection for the project level hardly even covers pedestrians, never mind the gender of pedestrians or how people use spaces. There is a focus on the vehicular element of data collection. If I could change anything, it would be to prioritise collecting data on pedestrians and how women use space in the local context and on the streets on which the infrastructure is provided. That would bring focus to the design team. There needs to be that level of data collection. It needs to come from both ends, if you like.