Dublin City Council’s Active Travel Network was officially announced during an event at Wood Quay today, which was attended by Lord Mayor Caroline Conroy, Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan and DCC Chief Executive, Owen Keegan
 
Dublin City Council and the NTA claim to have identified 80 major projects across the city which will provide a more safe, inclusive, and sustainable walk-wheel-cycle network. Coordinated by the Active Travel Programme Office, the network aims to improve access, connectivity, and sustainable mobility for all whilst reducing transport-related carbon emissions.
 
Over the next nine years, the Active Travel Network aims to grow from its existing 10km to a connected network of 310km across the city. The Active Travel Programme Office is responsible for the delivery of 210km, while BusConnects will provide the additional 90km. When complete, the government claims 95% of people in the city will be within 400m of an active travel route.
 
Works to be undertaken will necessitate the reallocation of overall road space. It is hoped this additional space will enable the provision of widened footpaths and segregated cycling lanes alongside cycle parking, raised pedestrian crossings, and reduced road widths at crossing points. Extensive greening works will also be undertaken, with new trees planted and green areas created to promote social interaction and biodiversity.

Speaking today, Minister Eamon Ryan said, "The promotion of walking and cycling is a key priority for this Government, as set out in the National Development Plan. DCC’s announcement today is another chapter in our ongoing investment in more people-centred ways of travelling around and enjoying our capital city. The Dublin Active Travel Network will mean that many more people can get to a network where they can walk or cycle quickly and easily, in their own neighbourhoods and on to others. This extensive network has the potential to totally transform the city – making it safer, healthier, and more environmentally-friendly for everyone into the future."
 
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy added, "The Active Travel Network will make it even easier and safer for the people of Dublin to get around. Importantly, it will also include features to assist the mobility of people with disabilities, as well as green spaces and open areas for citizens to meet and relax. It is a fantastic programme, and I look forward to seeing it roll out over the coming years."

Source: www.businessworld.ie