Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday the Minister with responsibility for climate change, communications networks and transport announced funding to the tune of €4.5 million for 26 greenway projects throughout the country. I warmly welcome this announcement. Recently I spoke to a friend who, by his own admission, is anything but green in his outlook or thinking, but the lockdown gave him some time to think. He escaped the sheer pace and pressure of life and work. He took to his bicycle again for the first time in 30 years and with his two children went on daily cycles around Dublin city. He heard the birds sing for the first time. When the lockdown relaxed, however, he resented the return of mechanically propelled vehicles. This was an epiphany for just one person. In Cork city yesterday, we had an announcement of several streets being pedestrianised, putting people first, providing for al fresco dining and showcasing Ireland's tourism. The future is bright; the future is green. In the programme for Government, the Green Party has negotiated a 2:1 balance in favour of public transport instead of roads, roads and more roads. At the heart of public transport, of course, are trains and buses, but also cycling and walking. In my commuter belt county of Kildare, cycling and walking provide a boost to tourism and a safe and healthy pastime. Kildare is also very close to Dublin and where people work. When we have the Grand Canal greenway and the other greenways up and running, people will be able to commute daily to work in certain places. I welcome the announcement made yesterday and look forward to better things to come. This is just the design feasibility and funding stage. The future is green and the future is bright.