Written answers

Thursday, 19 January 2023

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Cycling Facilities

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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17. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans that he has to improve the standard of urban cycle lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1838/23]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Active Travel infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) along with the relevant local authorities are responsible for the development and delivery of individual projects.

In support of the quality of infrastructure, and in particular the standard of urban cycle lanes, there is much work underway in terms of core standards to support this. Both the NTA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are updating relevant documents on cycling and Greenways and urban cycle lanes.

Any new Active Travel infrastructure funded by my Department must be designed in compliance with the guidance and standards set out in the National Cycle Manual, which is currently being revised and updated. This work has been underway for over a year and is geared to reflect best practice including improving design standards. In support of this, the Department of Transport is also working on updates supporting the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS).

A National Guidelines and Standards Group has been established to oversee and coordinate all guidelines and standards (including cycling and other Active Travel projects) which have been developed by TII, the NTA and Department of Transport. This group comprises of members from each of these bodies as well as the City and County Management Association (CCMA). It also covers the areas of quality control, training and implementation monitoring. Progress to date includes:

- Circulars setting out a framework for guidelines and standards, as well as improved quality control measures;

- Updates to DMURS Guidelines and supporting training on these guidelines, including online workshops and graduate programmes.

The provision of safe and easy-to-use urban cycle lanes is a key priority of the Government's Active Travel Programme and the pieces of work I've mentioned will play a critical role in the development of such infrastructure going forward.

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