The Green Party today launched a ten point plan for improving cycling facilities in Dublin City. The plan proposes a 30 kph speed limit across the city centre and on residential streets so that more adults and children can cycle in safety. Green Party Minister Eamon Ryan accompanied a group of journalists around a tour of the city centre by bike to present the cycling plan, and to point out the 'good, the bad and the ugly' of cycling in Dublin. 

The plan proposes to transform the quays into a 'Liffey Boulevard' with new tree planting, wider footpaths and safe routes for cycling. The plan also proposes reducing the amount of busy one-way streets so that cyclists can find their way around the city more easily. Parnell Square, Stephens Green and Pearse Street will become two-way streets and provide segregated facilities for cyclists. North-south pedestrian and cycling facilities will connect Parnell Square with Stephens Green.

Green Party transport spokesperson Deputy Ciarán Cuffe said: "This plan will create a more liveable city. Our plan is inspired by the success of cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen where a third of journeys around the city are made by bicycle. There's been a significant increase in the numbers of cyclists following the opening of the Port Tunnel. It took large trucks of the streets and made them safer for cyclists. We want to build on that success and go much further. But it will happen faster and better if you put Greens back onto the city Council.

MEP candidate for Dublin Senator Deirdre De Burca added: "Implementing this plan will ensure that the progress for Dublin's cyclists continues. We want to make it easier for children, students and workers to find their way around Dublin by bike."

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan stated: "In recent months the Government has published the National Cycling Plan as well as the 'Smarter Travel' policy which charts a sustainable transport future for Ireland. However it takes strong leadership within local authorities to make these policies a success at local level. Green Party councillors will lead the way in implementing these proposals."

The Ten Point Plan and accompanying map of Dublin can be downloaded at: http://download.greenparty.ie/city_centre_connecting_LR.pdf