Nearly 200 transport projects get city moving

NEARLY 200 transport projects across Dublin, including the development of 47 cycle routes, are getting the green light by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, he said.

These include the completion of the Rosie Hackett Bridge over the Liffey, widening of the narrow busy road outside the Cat & Cage pub on the Drumcondra Road to make room for new bus lanes and the construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge at the Dodder Valley in Tallaght.

Funding of

?¬32.5 million has been made available for the various projects that are at various stages of completion.

There is a special emphasis on cycling this year with 47 separate cycle routes in the plan.

More than

?¬30 million of the total funding is allocated to projects devoted to cycling or with a cycling component, like new parking facilities or cycle access routes, and includes

?¬600,000 to extend the Dublin Bikes scheme.

“Dublin and the surrounding counties have really taken to cycling,

? Minister Varadkar said.

“From the Government’s point of view it makes sense to invest in cycling because it’s effective, it’s healthy and it’s also extremely efficient.

“The single best way to tackle traffic congestion is to support people who get out of their cars and on to bikes, buses, or other alternatives.

“It also makes the city a nicer place to live, to work and to visit, whether as residents or tourists.

?

He added:

“Growing numbers of people are cycling to work in Dublin city centre. Many of these schemes will make it easier for commuters to cycle in to work from further afield,

? he added.

Other projects include the construction of the Thomas Street/James’ Street QBC and footpath upgrade; construction of the Bull Road to Causeway Road Cycle/Walkway Scheme, and construction of the canal towpath to a high quality walking and cycling route on the Royal Canal Cycle Scheme.