The cycling network will cross-cross the Republic and is now open to public consultation. Click on the map above and then click again on the boxes in the top left corner to see the different types of cycle routes and their locations
A public consultation process has been launched to help inform plans to build a 3,500km network of cycling lanes across the Republic that will link towns and villages.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has said it was launched plans for “an ambitious National Cycle Network (NCN), a planned core cycle network of 3,500km that will criss-cross the country” connecting more than 200 villages, towns and cities.
“The network will include cycling links to transport hubs, education centres, employment centres, leisure and tourist destinations, and support ‘last mile’ bicycle deliveries,” it said.
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It is intended that the network will make it easier and safer for more people to cycle for commuting, leisure and tourism, reducing reliance on the car.
Last year, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan asked TII to lead the development of a new 3,500km network. Since then TII has been working with a range of partners including the Department of Transport to bring the plan to its current points, for public consultation.
The Department of Transport said it was anticipated the final plan, which will take into account public feedback and ideas, will go for Ministerial approval in the third quarter of this year. The proposals are in line with the Climate Action Plan and it is intended the cycling network will “move quickly into implementation phase” once the public consultation is completed and analysed.
“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,” Mr Ryan said. “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."
The public consultation on the new networked opened yesterday and will continued until Tuesday, June 7th. The NCN map, background information, as well as details on how to have your say, can be found online at: ncn.consultation.ai
