Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Transport and the Marine the way he will increase the level of walking and cycling as an alternative to car based transport in urban areas. [18142/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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It is Government policy to encourage walking, cycling and public transport as an alternative to the private car and Transport 21 includes funding for measures to encourage these more sustainable modes of transport. Bearing in mind that most travel in major urban areas is over relatively short distances, walking and cycling rather than driving are being encouraged, not only in the interests of traffic reduction but also in the interest of promoting healthier lifestyles and air quality.

A Cycle Policy for the GDA, published by the DTO in September 2006, proposes to enhance the cycling environment and promote safe cycling by a variety of means, including a continuous cycle-friendly environment on cycle routes and training and education measures. My Department is assisting in the roll out of this plan through the provision of funding under the Traffic Management Grants Scheme. The DTO expects to finalise a Walking Policy for the GDA later this year. It is expected that this will be mainstreamed by local authorities in other urban areas apart from the GDA.

Outside of Dublin, the framework for the promotion of cycling in the regional cities is set out in the relevant local land use and transportation strategy or in the relevant Development Plan or Local Area Plan. My Department will continue to provide financial assistance to local authorities to implement their plans for cycle facilities through Traffic Management Grants under Transport 21.