Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I note a recent report on Dublin cycling figures. For the first time in over ten years, those figures have fallen. One would not have thought they were falling in my area because it is great to see so many people cycling, particularly with the weather yesterday. It is good for traffic. Reducing the number of people using cars is good for people's health, CO2 emissions and in many other ways. We need a debate here with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport that focuses purely on cycling. What tends to happen is that we have statements on transport matters, the Minister comes in and gives us a very long speech about his wonderful Department and his wonderful brief and we end up with people trying to chip in as quickly as they can covering a multitude of topics with a very short period of time in which to respond.

Cycling can be found in urban areas and also relates to sport and recreation but I am talking in particular about commuting in our major urban centres. We need to look at and tackle it. I would say that there are many reasons for the drop in the number of people cycling. It might be that the Luas has improved or the weather was bad or because of the effects of the cross-city Luas service, but we need to look at the issue. I cycle on occasions and have often cycled in here. It is a very reliable way of getting around, particularly when the weather is better, and is good for people who are still in cars. They should not be antagonistic towards cyclists, although only some of them are, because having fewer cars on the road benefits those who still drive.

I ask the Acting Leader to schedule a debate on open spaces and playing facilities, particularly in urban areas, because the same demand versus supply issue tends not to exist in more rural areas. It is an issue in many urban areas. I know Senator Ardagh has raised the issue of green spaces. There are many very successful clubs that are always crying out for more facilities and pitches to cope with the demand they are creating for the great service they provide. Clubs like Kilmacud Crokes, Ballinteer St. John's GAA Club and Naomh Olaf GAA Club in my area along with soccer and rugby clubs are all under pressure to deliver facilities for adults and particularly children. We talk about obesity. The Acting Leader has been very vocal and outspoken in a positive way about the dangers of screen time and not getting enough physical activity. I urge her to arrange a debate on that issue. We need sufficient facilities for all ages to use.