Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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497. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has undertaken a review of the national cycle policy framework; and if so, if he will provide a copy of same. [27969/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, one of the primary objectives of creating a National Cycling Policy Framework was to create a strong cycling culture so that cycling is seen as the normal way to get about, particularly when commuting over shorter journeys. 

I am conscious of the key contribution that cycling can play as part of an integrated Public Transport policy. Census 2016 recorded a significant rise in the numbers cycling to work. It was also pleasing to note in the same CSO survey walking or cycling was the preferred mode of transport used for 45% of all journeys under 2km. That growing trend will be catered for by providing a network of safe cycling facilities that will encourage increased numbers to adopt what is a convenient and healthy mode of transport.  As traffic levels rise in urban areas, cycling will play an increasing role in alleviating congestion and contributing to economic success. 

In the Greater Dublin Area there has been a significant modal shift. The Annual Canal Cordon Report recently published by Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority - which provides data on trends in mode share of vehicles and people crossing the Canal Cordon in Dublin between 7am and 10am - indicates this change.  It shows that 70% of all inbound trips crossing the canal cordon were made by a sustainable mode which includes cycling, walking, taxi and other public transport.  Over the last 11 years, the share for sustainable modes has grown by 9 percentage points, and since 2010 there has continually been year-on-year growth.  The most recent figures show that the mode share for cars has dropped to under 30% for the first time; it is now 29.2%, compared to 40% as recently as 2010. It should also be remembered that this figure does not include the numbers using private bicycles, Dublin Bikes or other public bike schemes between the canals.

In order to continue to build on this momentum and to encourage further modal shift nationally, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have secured over €110m in capital funding which is directly allocated to develop cycling and walking infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford over the period 2018-2021. A further €135m capital funding is allocated over this same period for investment in Sustainable Urban Transport projects, and these will include projects that will provide either direct or indirect improvements for urban cycling. Investment of more than €750m on the Bus Connects Programme during the same period will deliver a transformative investment package that will finance new and expanded bus routes, greatly improve bus access, and also includes the commencement of construction of core bus routes that include segregated cycle lanes and pedestrian footpath all which will greatly assist in encouraging modal shift. My Department also spends over €2.5m per annum on behavioural change programmes including Green Schools, Cycle Right and Smarter Travel Workplace and Campus programmes aimed at encouraging a modal shift. 

While significant progress has been made under a number of objectives contained in the National Cycle Policy Framework (NCPF) my Department has not yet undertaken a formal review of the policy framework or its implementation. However, the NCPF has been integrated into the Development Plans of the majority of local authorities so ensuring that the objectives and policies to support and promote cycling are taken account of in current and future planning. In addition, the National Transport Authority (NTA) published the GDA Cycle Network Plan covering the seven local authority areas in the Greater Dublin Area in 2013.

My Department has commenced a review of public transport policy “to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy”. Work on this policy review is at an early stage and is currently drawing together data and information from many sources.  The review will cover all areas of public transport policy.