Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I have just come from Buswells Hotel where cyclists.ieis presenting its pre-budget submission. As a Senator from Waterford, I have seen the benefits of cycling. The Waterford greenway has been an absolute game-changer in Waterford in terms of tourism and encouraging local people to cycle. Everyone knows that cycling not only reduces emissions, thus helping Ireland to achieve its climate targets; it also improves one's health.

Cyclists.iewants 10% of Ireland's land transport budget to be spent on cycling this year. It is critical that we, as a nation going forward, support this request. My colleagues in Fianna Fáil have put forward a good policy on cycling. It is incumbent on every Member to take read the policy as it is progressive. The Green Party has harped on about investing in cycling for many years. It is critical that we, as a nation, invest in cycling promotion and infrastructure. I know of a chap from Waterford who used to cycle to Tramore beach every summer and is now in his eighties. He bought himself an electric bike this year and his life has changed as a result. In latter years, he found the manual bike to be tough going but his electric bike has given him the opportunity to cycle 12 km to the beach. Investment in infrastructure and cycling is, therefore, critical. I ask the Minister for Finance, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, to get real and join the 21st century by supporting cyclists.ie'srequest for 10% of the land transport budget to be spent on cycling this year.