Written answers

Wednesday, 6 April 2016

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Cycling Facilities Provision

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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819. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on introducing a pilot scheme in which local tertiary back roads would be re-designated priority cycle routes between locations (details supplied); if this would be a cheaper and quicker way of developing family and tourist friendly cycling networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5756/16]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I have no doubt that there are some lesser trafficked roads around Ireland which could safely be recommended as part of a cycle route, indeed the National Trails Office, on behalf of my Department, are currently designating the route of Eurovelo 1 - a cycle route that traverses the country and is part of a Europe long route from Norway to Portugal - that will include sections on such lesser trafficked roads. This is being carried out in conjunction with local authorities who have the responsbility for reducing speed limits on these roads.

Under the National Cycle Network (NCN) Programme my Department has allocated approx. €23.5 million over the period 2012-2016 (including €10 million allocated under the Stimulus Package 2014) to local authorities to advance greenways and cycle routes that will provide valuable transport and recreational infrastructure, with the added potential to enhance tourist activity for the areas concerned.  A significant allocation was made to Kerry County Council to develop the Glenbeigh to Cahiciveen South Kerry Greenway and I understand that a planning application will be submitted to An Bord Pleanala shortly.

The main aim of my Department under the NCN Programme is the creation of a network of world class greenways/cycleways which have real local, amenity and tourism value with economic benefit to the communities through which they traverse and link. 

While we will not be able to fund off-road fully segregated routes all around the country the Deputy's suggestion is welcomed and will play an important part in linking the off-road sections to each other.

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