Blueways / Greenways Information Seminar

NSMC Joint Secretariat

Armagh30th April 2015

The opportunityin the North

• Minister for Regional Development – a ‘cycling revolution’

• Increase in levels of cycling throughout Europe• Interest of NSMC• INTERREG V funding for ‘sustainable transport’

– €40 million

The Policy Environmentin the South

• Fáilte Ireland Strategy for the Development of Irish Cycle Tourism 2007

• National Cycle Policy Framework 2009 – 2020• National Cycle Network Scoping Study 2009• European Cycle Corridor Network – Eurovelo 2012• Fáilte Ireland Cycling and Walking Market Research

2013

Eurovelo routes• Safety: a route that minimises danger for cyclists,

pedestrians and other users and gives a feeling of security• Coherence: a continuous route with a distinct and

identifiable character, integrated with local roads, and cycle paths

• Directness: a route that avoids unnecessary detours, although it may detour to visit special landscapes or sites of interest

• Attractiveness: a route that complements and enhances its environment in such a way that cycling is attractive

• Comfort: a route that enables a comfortable flow of cycle traffic and is easy to use

Railways of Ireland 1906

National Cycle Networkin the South

Potential off-road routesin the North

(Reproduced with permission from NIGreenways)

The greenway spine

Everyone wants one

• Mayo’s Great Western Greenway has shown the benefits of investment, so now everyone wants one

• Economic benefits (around €150 billion)• National Cycle Network funding call for 2014 had 38

applications from 28 local authorities• Department funded 3!• Subsequent stimulus package funded another 11.

Standards

• Width• Surface• Signage• Furniture• Access• Junctions• ...

What next?• Greenways working group• Scoping exercise• Draft plan