Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress made on the development of a national tourism cycle network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37397/09]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 332: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress made on developing a national cycle network; the way he has been working with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism to develop cycling as a tourism project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37398/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 332 together.

Good progress is being made on the development of an interurban National Cycle Network. Two projects have been approved in Cork; the Passage West to Rochestown route, and the Carrigaline to Crosshaven route, and work has commenced on the former. In Mayo works are already underway to provide 17.5km of cycle route from Newport to Mulranny. Funding for this route includes contributions from Fáilte Ireland and Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

In addition, the National Road Authority have been asked to research and map route options for the National Cycle Network. This work is underway, and is being assisted by an advisory group under the auspices of the National Trails Office. The group includes representation from Fáilte Ireland, the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism and the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.