Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 132: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has plans to ensure that public transport modes can accommodate the transportation of passenger bicycles. [23429/08]

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 137: To ask the Minister for Transport when he will publish the new national cycling strategy; the measures he will introduce to reach his target of 10% of all trips to be by bicycle by 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23317/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 143: To ask the Minister for Transport the details of the plans to enhance cycling facilities in Dublin. [23430/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132, 137 and 143 together.

I am committed to increasing the use of cycling as a mode of transport and I recently commissioned research on international best practice which will inform the development of a National Cycle Policy. This, in turn, will feed into the Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan, which I intend publishing in 2008. The process will inform the precise measures to be adopted in relation to cycling and other issues.

A suggested National Cycling Policy was received with the research into best international practice. However, as there is a close inter-relationship between the development of a National Cycling Policy and delivery of STTAP, detailed policy consideration must be undertaken of the research output to ensure that it will ultimately be a good fit with STTAP.

In the light of the foregoing, and pending completion of the policy consideration mentioned above, it is considered that it would be premature to make available documentation relating to the deliberative process in relation to the National Cycle Policy. Details of specific measures in relation to the carriage of bicycle by public transport, the enhancement of cycling facilities in Dublin and other measures to increase the percentage of trips by bicycle will be considered during the policy deliberation. The research information presented in seven volumes is, however, available in my Department for inspection.