Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Like Senator Ardagh, I, too, offer my condolences to the family of the late Councillor Manus "Mandy" Kelly, who died suddenly and tragically in a road accident during the Donegal rally on Sunday. He leaves behind his parents, eight siblings, five young children, a successful business and his wife. It is clear he was popular, well regarded and involved in everything. He began his career by bussing people to Dublin for cancer treatment before setting up his own business, which employed 60 people in facilities management, personnel, recruitment and so on, and he also owned a cafe. It is a tragic loss of life and he was cut down in its prime. Three weeks ago, he was elected to Donegal County Council for the first time, on his first attempt. May he rest in peace.

This week is Bike Week. I cycled to work today, as I do regularly. A successful conference that travels throughout Europe and other cities in various parts of the world is being hosted in Dublin by Dublin City Council this week. We all need to step up to the plate. We have seen the increase in the vote, especially in urban areas, for the Green Party and other campaigners who are interested in environmental matters. There is a significant benefit to cycling, not only for cyclists but for everyone else who benefits from the road space no longer being taken up by cars. Many cyclists will probably have taken themselves out of a car and reduced the level of congestion and the amount of pollution. We need to invite the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to appear before the House to address the issue of cycling, not only in urban areas but predominantly so, where it can cut congestion and improve obesity figures and health.

There needs to be a safe environment for cyclists. Many people say they will not cycle in Dublin or other cities because they are worried they will be clipped by cars or lorries or that the cities are not safe enough for them, not least if they are inexperienced. Sooner rather than later, we need to have a debate on the provision of safe, reliable cycling routes for people of all abilities and ages. Equally, Dublin needs a place to allow people to bring their bikes into the city centre and various other places and know that when they return to collect their bike, it will still be there. The rate of bike theft in Dublin is very high and there need to be secure places, whether they are protected by CCTV, locks, credit card swipes or whatever it needs to be. People should be able to lock their bike safely and know that it will be there when they return, given that theft is one of the strongest deterrents to cycling.