Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister mentioned many of the local projects, but it is unfortunate to see that the smarter travel scheme and sustainable transport grants have been cut. We have seen less resources for that in 2015 to 2016 and now into 2017. How do we marry this regional focus with the fact that we are cutting funding in that area?

Since 2009, climate change has continued apace. All the evidence points to the fact that cycling is not simply a matter of expenditure and cost, but is also a net saving. It is one of the most inexpensive and efficient modes of transport, so I would ask the Minister to address that.

As regards road safety, the Minister talked about persuasion. It is hard to persuade people, however, when they see accidents such as the one in Kildare last week. Six hundred members of a club are surely influenced when a lack of infrastructure leads to yet another tragic death of a cyclist.