Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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386. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement that took place between Kildare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland in relation to the provision of cycle route pilot scheme on the R448 at Moone/Timolin; where the demand for this infrastructure originated; the extent of public funding committed to the completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46761/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Cycle Network (NCN), while Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) manage the delivery of NCN projects. The NCN Plan, published in 2024, identifies various infrastructure types which are suitable for use on the cycle network. There is a clear emphasis on physical segregation between cyclists and vehicular traffic on busier roads and shared space between cyclists and vehicular traffic on low trafficked roads (so called quiet roads).

As the reallocation of existing roads space to provide segregated cycle facilities and the use of quiet roads for cycling are relatively novel concepts in an Irish context; it is therefore prudent to pilot and assess these concepts in situ to inform potential use in future projects. As such, a pilot road space reallocation project is currently being progressed by TII in conjunction with Kildare County Council on the R448. The objective of this pilot is to evaluate the effectiveness of various segregation options. The outcomes of the pilot will provide useful insights to inform the wider roll out of the National Cycle Network. Kildare County Council were allocated €1,900,000 in 2025 to progress the pilot project between Moone and Timolin.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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387. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there was no public demand for works currently being carried out on the R448 near Moone/Timolin; if his attention has been further drawn that there are serious public concerns in relation to the project, its possible safety impact; and if he accepts that there is strong local opposition to proceeding with this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46762/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Cycle Network (NCN), while Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) manage the delivery of NCN projects. The NCN Plan, published in 2024, identifies various infrastructure types which are suitable for use on the cycle network. There is a clear emphasis on physical segregation between cyclists and vehicular traffic on busier roads and shared space between cyclists and vehicular traffic on low trafficked roads (so called quiet roads).

As the reallocation of existing roads space to provide segregated cycle facilities and the use of quiet roads for cycling are relatively novel concepts in an Irish context; it is therefore prudent to pilot and assess these concepts in situ to inform potential use in future projects. As such, a pilot road space reallocation project is currently being progressed by TII in conjunction with Kildare County Council on the R448. The objective of this pilot is to evaluate the effectiveness of various segregation options. The outcomes of this pilot will provide useful insights to inform the wider roll out of the National Cycle Network.

Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.