Date: 04 May 2022
TII would like to hear views on the proposed 3,500km cycle network
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) today launched a draft 3,500km National Cycle Network plan that will criss-cross the country, connecting more than 200 villages, towns and cities.
This core network will roll out in the coming years and connect key destinations with safe and attractive routes, including cycling links to transport hubs, education centres, employment centres, leisure and tourist destinations, and support “last mile” bicycle deliveries. the network will make it easier and safer for more people to cycle for commuting, leisure and tourism, reducing reliance on the car.
Minister Ryan said:
"The expansion of our cycling network is key to enabling everyone, young and old, urban and rural, to enjoy and make the switch to cycling. Whilst we will continue to invest in Greenways like the Galway to Dublin route currently under development, this is not only about providing cycleways for long distance cyclists. This proposed network’s focus is on everyday travel and use - connecting village to village, town to village, city to town. It’s another step in connecting our communities, to enable and encourage as many of us as possible to choose the bike when travelling. The network will connect into other sustainable transport modes, enabling further onward travel using the bus, train and by walking."
TII would like to hear peoples’ views on an ambitious proposed 3,500km National Cycle Network for Ireland
Consultation on the draft plan is open from the 4th of May to the 7th of June 2022, following which a report will be completed in August 2022 on the proposed NCN incorporating the feedback received. Detailed plans for the roll out of the NCN over the coming years will then be developed.
For more information and to see an interactive map of the proposed National Cycle Network please visit the National Cycle Network Public Consultation webpage.
Background
Last year, the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan requested TII to lead the development of a new NCN for Ireland. Since Autumn 2021, TII has worked with a range of partners, including the Department of Transport, to develop a draft NCN for public consultation. It is anticipated that the final plan, which will take into account public feedback and ideas, will go for Ministerial approval in Quarter 3 this year, in line with the Climate Action Plan. Thereafter, the NCN will move quickly into implementation phase.
The interactive NCN map incorporates many existing and planned Greenways as well as a range of proposed new cycle routes, as part of its proposed national cycle corridors. The NCN will also complement and integrate local cycling development projects and Greenways. It will enable people to easily cycle to the centre of villages, towns and cities, being developed by the Active Travel programme as overseen by the National Transport Authority (NTA). It is envisaged the most of the NCN will be delivered by local authorities over the coming years.
The development of a National Cycle Network is in line with the government’s Climate Action Plan (Action 232) which commits to developing cycle networks in Local Authority Plans.
The government’s National Sustainable Mobility Policy commits to developing and publishing a strategic national cycle network in 2022 (Action 29), as now proposed in this draft National Cycle Network.