Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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87. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the cycle and pedestrian pathways on Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16370/20]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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In response to the public health advices surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, The Office of Public Works introduced 7 kms of new cycle lanes adjacent to the main spine of the Park on Chesterfield Avenue in order to ensure sufficient space was created for social distancing on the inner pathways and to ensure the safety of both cyclists and pedestrians.

OPW is now collecting usage data for these new temporary cycle lanes. This data will be reviewed to establish their effectiveness or otherwise as cycle lanes. The evidence to date would suggest that there is significant usage of these lanes by both commuter and leisure cyclists. Local counting undertaken by Park staff recorded in excess of 200 cyclists per hour in the afternoons during the peak of the lockdown and it has been noted that the lanes continue to be used extensively by cyclists.

These two new cycle lanes also link directly to the existing cycle lanes on the Castleknock Road in the Fingal area and also to the Quays at Parkgate Street, thus providing a key link to the overall cycle network in Dublin.

It is hoped to maintain these cycle lanes in the short to medium term.