Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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644. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will publish the national walking policy as stated in smarter travel; the steps he has taken to progress this initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47923/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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While my Department has no  plans to develop a specific National Walking Policy, I am satisfied that the government's investment in sustainable travel under 3 key programmes will achieve a number of the objectives for the creation of a culture of walking in Ireland as set out in the Transport Policy for Ireland - A Sustainable Transport Future: Smarter Travel Areas, Active Travel Towns and National Cycle Network.  

Under the Smarter Travel Areas Programme, Westport, Dungarvan and Limerick city as demonstration areas will inform policy on the best ways of improving cycling, walking and public transport use in our towns. The Active Travel Towns Programme has funded the development of walking and cycling strategies in a number of small and medium sized towns across the country and also funds the development of infrastructure that supports walking and cycling within those towns.  One of the expected benefits of this programme will be increased footfall in towns facilitating walking as a matter of routine.  The National Cycle Network Programme also promotes the development of a network that can support both walking and cycling. The Great Western Greenway in Mayo as an example is used by many pedestrians as well as cyclists.

The National Trails Office of the Irish Sports Council under the remit of my Department is currently developing a revised Irish Trails Strategy to support outdoor recreational activities including walking. The development of this revised strategy will serve to strengthen the link between walking as a tourism asset and walking as an everyday mode of transport.

Increased walking and cycling makes for safer streets and communities and the development of infrastructure to support one complements the other.