Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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41. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on his recent comments on possible legislation following on from breaches of road traffic regulations by cyclists; the strategy he is pursuing in relation to improving safety for cyclists on Irish roads and streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23244/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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​The National Cycle Policy Framework (NCPF), launched in 2009, outlines a comprehensive package of interventions to make cycling both easier and safer.  My Department's strategy for promoting safe cycling involves education, infrastructure, and enforcement. The Road Safety Authority promotes safe cycling in a variety of ways, particularly through the Green Schools programme.  My Department is also funding a new cycling standard "Cycle Right" that will pilot in schools this Autumn, with gradual roll-out nationally by September 2016. 

All spending on cycling infrastructure is designed to impact positively on the safety of cyclists.  We are working to deliver a National Cycle Network for Ireland, with an allocation of €23.5 million over the period 2012-2016, to advance routes that will provide valuable transport and recreational infrastructure. The National Transport Authority's Cycle Network Plan, published in 2013, provides the blueprint for the development of a strategic cycle network in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).  The Plan comprises an Urban Network, Inter-Urban Network and Green Route Network for each of the seven local authority areas of the GDA.

Cyclists, like all road users are obliged to obey road traffic legislation.  As vulnerable road users, cyclists who breach the rules put themselves and other road users at risk.  I shall shortly be introducing regulations extending the fixed charge notice system to certain road traffic offences committed by cyclists.  It is important to emphasise that this is not about creating any new offences, but providing a new and more effective enforcement tool for An Garda Síochána.  My Department is also looking at further changes to legislation that may be necessary in order to promote cycling and make cycling safer as part of the mid-term review of the National Cycle Policy Framework which is currently underway.