Written answers

Thursday, 26 June 2014

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Cycling Policy

Photo of Martin HeydonMartin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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25. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend the network of greenways across the country, with specific reference to County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27389/14]

Photo of Alan KellyAlan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The National Transport Authority (in cooperation with Kildare County Council) is the body responsible for the delivery of cycling infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). Detailed plans for the development of cycling infrastructure in Kildare are contained in the NTA's Cycle Network Plan for the GDA.  I am copying your request to the NTA for follow up in relation to delivery timeframes.  Please contact my office if you have not received a response from the NTA within 10 working days of this response.  It should be noted that responsibility for local area cycle infrastructure development rests with Kildare County Council (KCC) as the competent authority.

Separately, my Department received two proposals from KCC under the National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2014-2016 for the delivery of the Arthur's Way Greenway and sections of greenway between Maynooth to Longwood along the Royal Canal.  While the applications submitted by the Council were of a high standard, it was not possible to award funding under the NCN Programme as the number of applications significantly outweighed the level of funding available at that time.  However, KCC have subsequently received the full amount of funding requested for the Arthur's Way Greenway from the recently announced €200 million Stimulus Package.  €10 million of this package was earmarked for the development of cycling infrastructure.

I look forward to the participation of KCC in future funding initiatives.  It is likely, given the popularity and success of the greenways already delivered, that funding may become available from other sources over the coming years. It is also worth noting that the EU Structural Funds Programme 2014 to 2020 is currently being finalised and there may be significant opportunities for cycle infrastructure development and promotion under the various sub programmes. I understand that many local authorities are already positioning themselves to avail of such opportunities.

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