merrion street

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross T.D., today welcomed the presentation by the National Transport Authority (NTA) of its recommended option for the Liffey Cycle Route.

Minister Ross said:

The Liffey Cycle Route is a wonderful project for everyone who lives in, works in or visits Dublin. It will provide a safe and segregated cycle track right through the heart of our capital city. From listening to the concerns of cyclists over the past few years I know that this is something which will be very much welcomed by them. I’d like to thank the NTA for their work on developing this Recommended Option, look forward to hearing people’s views during the planned public consultation and hope this long-awaited project can now move forward.

I am pleased to be able to increase the level of investment we’re putting in to developing better cycling infrastructure across the country. Funding under our two main programmes has increased by around 30% this year, while there’s also more money being made available under our Greenways Strategy and through wider Government sources such as the Project Ireland 2040 funds related to urban and rural regeneration and development and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

The Liffey Cycle Route – Recommended Option has been developed by the NTA and aims to provide a safe, continuous and segregated 5km long-cycle facility in both directions between Phoenix Park / Heuston Station and the Tom Clarke East Link Bridge.

Commenting on the plan, Anne Graham Chief Executive Officer of the NTA said:

The Liffey Cycle Route is a key objective of the cycle network plan for the city and NTA has been closely involved in this project since 2012. This plan means there will be safer cycling facilities and an improved environment for pedestrians along the Liffey and we believe that this will encourage more people to cycle and walk as part of their daily commute. This is good news for commuters, but it’s also good news when it comes to reducing our carbon emissions.

Projects like the proposed Liffey Cycle Route are developed through funding provided by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to the NTA and funding levels have increased this year and will increase again next year.

The Liffey Cycle Route – Recommended Option was today presented to Dublin City Council by the NTA and will now be subject to a public consultation period.

Notes for Editors

https://www.nationaltransport.ie/consultations/liffeycyclerouteproject/

• NTA has been working with Dublin City Council in developing the scheme since 2012.
• At the end of 2017, DCC and the NTA agreed that the NTA would arrange for a comprehensive review of all the options previously considered, as well as any new alternatives, with a view to establishing a preferred scheme to advance to delivery.
• That review work has now been completed and arising from the review a detailed proposal for the Liffey Cycle Route has been developed and recommended. 

• As the project is projected to cost more than €20 million, a detailed business case will be developed by the NTA in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code.