Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 1024: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his policy regarding the need for large urban local authorities to have in place a cycling officer; if his attention has been drawn to the role that cycling officers play; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41253/11]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 1025: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline any new measures he is considering to enhance facilities and infrastructure for cyclists around the country; if he will indicate if he has liaised with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in relation to the vacant Dublin City Council cycling officer post; if he has recommended that DCC are facilitated in retaining and filling this post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41296/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1024 and 1025 together.

The Programme for Government commits to continued investment in the National Cycle Policy. My Department is implementing that commitment through, inter alia, continued improvement of facilities and infrastructure for cyclists. I am also pleased that strong levels of investment in smarter travel including funding for additional cycling facilities have been secured under the multi-annual capital funding framework to 2016.

I expect that funds will be made available to local authorities for the development of urban cycle lanes, greenway cycling trails and to progress the delivery of a national cycle network.

In addition to funding new cycling infrastructure my Department is working with local authorities in the regional cities to develop proposals to establish schemes similar to the very successful Dublin Bike rental scheme there.

The National Cycle Policy also includes an objective that local authorities appoint a cycling officer to oversee the formulation and delivery of local cycling policy. It is however a matter for local authorities to determine how best to secure implementation of this National Cycle Policy objective.

I am, of course, aware of the situation that arose in Dublin City Council with the proposed termination of the contract of their cycling officer. The means of implementation of the National Cycling Policy recommendation is entirely a matter for Dublin City Council. I also recognise that Dublin City Council has shown great commitment to the promotion and development of cycling in recent years.