The Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, T.D., today announced that he is making €1.2 million available for a new cycling and walking network in Carrigaline Co Cork. The aim of this funding is to encourage more people to think about leaving their cars at home and to opt for more sustainable forms of transport.
Following the recent success of National Bike Week (14-21 June 2009), which highlighted cycling as a fun and sustainable form of transport, Minister Dempsey is investing in new, safe cycling and walking infrastructure nationwide.
This new cycling and walking network in Carrigaline, is one of the first cycle projects to be approved for funding.
Speaking today Minister Dempsey said; “Carrigaline was approved for funding for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is one of the most car-dependent areas in Ireland with 74% of people commuting by car to work so there is a lot of room for improvement. Secondly, the County Council came up with an excellent project which offers a new predominately off-road cycle network which, among other things, connects to four local schools and popular sports facilities.”
Minister Dempsey added “We know that over 200,000 people drive less than 4km to work each day. By investing in safe, attractive cycling and walking facilities we hope to be able to encourage more people out of their cars particularly for short journeys. We also know that about 55,000 school kids are driven less than 2km to school. If mums, dads and school kids are helped to see that the car needn’t always be the first or only travel choice for getting to school, that cycling can be a safe alternative, then they will respond. The success of the Green Schools travel programme proves that.”
Minister Dempsey is providing the full funding of €1.2 million for this demonstration project in Carrigaline. It will result in a network of 7.4km and most of the work will be completed this year by Cork County Council. The off-road cycleway will take the form of a 3m wide track, with a high quality finish. The network will link residential areas to schools, local GAA pitches and an existing industrial estate.
“The time is right to promote a new culture of cycling in Ireland” said Minister Dempsey today. “I am determined to make funding available for exemplary cycle projects nationwide. Cycling is not only one of the best ways to travel, it helps to combat the growing problem of obesity and helps improve our civic spaces as well as reducing traffic congestion. All-in-all, investment in cycling and walking represents real value for money.”
Funding for other top quality sustainable transport projects will be announced in the near future.
ENDS
Further information:
Press Office Department of Transport: (01) 604 1090 / (01) 604 1091.
Attached is a 1-page document entitled ‘Cycling Facts’ which contains some interesting statistics on cycling.
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