Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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74. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the minimum passing distance legislation; and if there will be other cycling initiatives delivered in advance of a conference (details supplied). [45628/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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AsI have indicated before, the Attorney General has raised issues in relation to the proposed legislation on a minimum passing distance. Currently, my Department is engaging with the Attorney General's Office with a view to implementing alternative solutions which are legally robust. I expect this legislation to be in place before the end of the year.

As to other initiatives, I am happy to have the chance to remind the Deputy that we are investing a great deal in cycling infrastructure and in cycling safety.This covers a wide range of projects including new segregated cycle lanes under the BusConnects programme, further separate funding for cycling as well as walking facilities, and additional funding for Greenways projects. Furthermore, we are investing in safety infrastructure at 40 key junctions in Dublin.

We will continue to expand our 'Cycle Right' schools cycle safety programme, with 5,000 additional children expected to take part in 2019, while also undertaking further programmes to promote cycling activity and cycling safety.

As the Deputy has mentioned the forthcoming Velo-City conference in Dublin in June next year, I am pleased to note that Mario Deslandes, organiser of the Velo-City series on behalf of the European Cyclists' Federation, said of the choice of Dublin as a venue that "Dublin is a great example of a city moving towards a more liveable, safe, and active environment for its citizens."

I hope that the Deputy will join me in welcoming this positive affirmation of the great work which has been done by all stakeholders in promoting cycling and cycling safety in Ireland, contrary to the sometimes alarmist claims made in public about cycle safety in Ireland.