Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update regarding his plans for developing cycle routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57421/12]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The development of interurban cycle routes is being progressed through the National Cycle Network funding scheme. Just over €7 million has been allocated to fund 16 projects, each in a different Local Authority area. A wide variety of route types have been allocated funding, including canal tow path routes, routes along disused rail lines and routes which make use of bypassed national roads. Most projects are substantially progressed. Five will be completed by year end, with the remaining projects expected to be completed in 2013. It is currently planned that a further NCN funding call will be undertaken next year for the determination of projects to be funded from 2014-2016. 

In terms of developing urban cycle routes, the NTA, under its Sustainable Transport Management Grants Scheme provides funding to relevant local authorities for a range of schemes to benefit cyclists including cycle paths and cycle corridors.

Providing safe cycle routes is a key factor in encouraging more people to cycle for both transport and leisure. The Government will therefore continue to provide funding either directly or through the NTA to local authorities for the development of cycle routes.