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