Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

500. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his initiatives to help promote female cycling nationally; if his attention is drawn to the impact of the demographic to increase overall cycling participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47300/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department  administers a number of smarter travel programmes, through funding provided to local authorities, which incorporate the promotion of cycling and walking.  These are the Active Travel Towns Programme 2014-2016; the National Cycle Network Programme 2014-2016 and the Smarter Travel Demonstration Areas Programme 2012-2016.   

These programmes promote initiatives to enable greater access to public transport, car-sharing, safe continuous walking/cycling infrastructure and provide improved connectivity within and between towns.

The core concept in Smarter Travel is to reduce congestion, improve travel mobility, accessibility, health and fitness and the overall quality of life for all and is not gender specific. 

Direct, specific and targeted participation of all groups are part of  the aims of the programmes.However, the programmes will invariably have a positive impact on facilitating and promoting the option of cycling for women. Notwithstanding that, my Department will  always take into account  any challenges that may be facing a particular demographic  and seek to address those challenges through policy interventions where necessary.