Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Transport the amount of money dedicated towards implementing the National Cycling Policy in 2009; the projects which are to receive funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16911/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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A total of €14 million is available to my Department for the promotion and implementation of sustainable travel and transport initiatives in 2009.

When I announced Ireland's first National Cycle Policy Framework recently, I specifically referred to the availability of €3 million in 2009 for the provision of cycling infrastructure in the Dublin region. The projects that I envisage will be progressed this year by Dublin City Council include development of premium cycle routes (from Portobello to the Liffey via the Grand Canal; from the North Quays towards Fairview Park, and via Heytsbury Street to the centre city); refurbishment of existing cycle lanes; and the provision of both additional permanent cycle parking in the city and mobile cycle parking facilities to service public events.

My Department is also exploring options with Dublin City Council in relation to progressing the Sutton to Sandycove project. This, however, does not fully represent the extent of my financial commitment to the cycling agenda in 2009. I will be providing finance to enable the organisation of National Bike Week 2009 (details of which will be announced shortly) and I am also committed to providing, through the Dublin Transportation Office, up to €2 million to An Taisce's GreenSchools Travel Module (which inter alia supports cycling among school children through education and infrastructure).

My Department is also currently in discussions with a number of local authorities outside the Greater Dublin Area in connection with the possibility of providing financial support for the delivery of a number of flagship cycle-related schemes as demonstration projects.

Delivery of the vision of a culture of cycling in Ireland that underpins the National Cycle Policy Framework will require a considerable timeframe — stretching up to 2020. This will not only involve the provision of excellent infrastructure but also a change in the national mindset. I am satisfied that sufficient funding is available this year to commence not only the process of changing the public perception of cycling but also to enable progress on key cycling infrastructure.