John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

The previous Government invested a huge amount in active travel and cycle projects that are beginning to connect up. As many people did, I cycled in this morning. It is now possible to cycle a good way into the city from the south side on off-road cycle tracks. I raised this when I was in opposition. In of all places, Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, the ciclovía is a weekly event where streets are closed to cars every Sunday and on holidays, transforming them into recreational spaces. This tradition has been running there for over 50 years and is a popular way for the residents of Bogotá and visitors to enjoy the city. It is a certified carbon-neutral initiative and remains a powerful example of practical, low-tech, environmentally friendly solutions that many cities around the world could be inspired by and emulate. There are public health benefits, climate action benefits, community spirit benefits and local business benefits from it.

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