Mr. Hugh Creegan:

Just to clarify, we do not set targets within the strategy. We try to assess at the end of all of the strategy interventions what the likely outcomes will be. That is the mode share that one is seeing there. When it came to the cycling mode share, we developed sophisticated transport models. However, the transport models that we use are based upon existing developed practice. When it comes to cycling here in Ireland, we do not have great networks. Therefore, the existing practice does not fully reflect the potential, as the Deputy said. Over the last few months since the strategy was published, we have refined our models to try to take account of that potential that safe segregated facilities will give. We will see in the final strategy that the mode share for cycling is much higher. From memory, beside the canals it is about 20%. It is well into the teens across the Dublin region. That is much higher than it is now. That reflects a refinement of our modelling processes.

In terms of developing the cycling network, we entirely agree with the Deputy. Piecemeal development and unconnected cycling routes do not deliver anything. It needs to be a coherent network. We have developed plans that are subsets of overall strategies for what needs to be put in place over the next number of years. This is where the 1,000 km figure, which the Deputy mentioned, comes from. We will be working with the local authorities to be sure that they are focused on doing those parts, so that we end up with an integrated network in a number of years, and not just with isolated pieces of infrastructure-----