Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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230. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the analysis his Department has done regarding the dual use of greenways by pedestrians and cyclists; and the way to best facilitate both groups in using greenways. [30398/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​Greenways are designed to be used by and usable by as many people as possible. Transport Infrastructure Ireland have developed guidelines for Rural Cycle Scheme Design: these guidelines also reference Greenways. Projects funded by this Department must comply with these guidelines, or in the case of urban based greenways, with the Cycle Manual and the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS). These designs include a requirement to have the gradient of the Greenway limited to 5% and are thus suitable for cyclists but also make for very attractive walking routes.

The experience on completed Greenways is that near towns and villages pedestrians significantly outnumber cyclists, by up to a factor of 2 to 1, whilst on the more remote sections these figures reverse and cyclists outnumber pedestrians to the same degree. The great strengths of Greenways are that they are multi-functional and provide access for all. Most Greenways are suitable for those in wheelchairs and pushing buggies and prams.

Signage on both the Waterford Greenway and the Old Rail Trail in County Westmeath has a code of conduct for all users that should be heeded. The importance of sharing the route with all users is emphasised and use of a bell by cyclists to alert pedestrians to their presence is recommended. Experience to date has been very positive for all users.

The public consultation document on Greenways is currently live and I would hope the Deputy will submit his thoughts before the closing date of July 14th.  The consultation paper is available on my Department's website.  We are interested in receiving a wide input of views from the public and interested parties in order to inform the development of future strategy in relation to this matter.