The Green Party today pledged to spend three times more on public transport than roads if it formed part of the next government.

Launching its transport manifesto '75:25 Transport Vision' in Dublin, Green transport spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe said:

Minister of State for Sustainable Transport Ciarán Cuffe has welcomed the decision by Irish Rail to permit the carriage of bicycles of off peak Darts and commuter trains. Irish rail will also introduce an online booking system for transporting bikes on Intercity trains.

Minister Cuffe said
 

Minister for Sustainable Transport and Planning Ciarán Cuffe TD has announced that all local authorities will now be required to include specific policies and objectives in their development plans to encourage travel by bicycle and to enable the creation of safe, efficient and attractive networks of cycle routes, especially within urban areas.

A contra flow cycle lane has been proposed by the Council for Newtown Avenue between Idrone Terrace and Seapoint Avenue in Blackrock. If approved, it will form a key piece in the route of the Sandycove to Sutton Cycle Way.

Details of the proposals are summarised below. You can find a full brief here and the map here.

Minister for Sustainable Transport, Ciarán Cuffe TD opened the Conference on Creating a Walking Zone in Sligo at the Glasshouse Hotel.

Ciarán Cuffe TD has welcomed the start of works on Crofton Road which will improve pedestrian access to Dún Laoghaire Dart Station. This is part of an overall upgrade to the Metals Walkway and Marine Road.

Ciarán Cuffe TD for Dún Laoghaire said: 

 "Many of the planned improvements for Dún Laoghaire town reflect the wishes of local residents and business owners as expressed at the Vision for Dún Laoghaire public meeting I held in July.

Ciarán Cuffe TD, and Minister for Sustainable Transport, today marked National Walk to School Week 2010 by visiting St Brigids Girls National School in Cabinteely.

National Walk to School Week, which runs from Monday 17th to Friday 21st May in Green-Schools across the country, encourages pupils, parents and teachers to walk to school through events such as Walk on Wednesday, Feet First Fridays, sponsored walks and walking fancy dress competitions.

Green Party TD for Dún Laoghaire Ciarán Cuffe said:

Cycling legend Sean Kelly joined Ministers Noel Dempsey and Ciarán Cuffe as they announced the details of Bike Week 2010 today.

Ciarán Cuffe TD and Minister for Sustainable Transport said:

Students from all over Ireland will take part in walking initiatives to show their support for a greener and healthier environment during this year’s National Walk to School Week, 17-21 May.  Green-Schools across the country will encourage pupils, parents and teachers to walk to school by holding events such as Walk to School days, Walk on Wednesday, Feet First Fridays, sponsored walks, and walking fancy dress competitions.

The Green Party have outlined their vision for cycling in the County of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown in a submission to the Council’s draft Cycling Policy

In it, they call for the appointment of a dedicated cycling policy officer for the Council; a more integrated cycle network and more focus on providing safe cycle routes to school

Local TD Ciarán Cuffe said he was pleased to see the Council come forward with a cycling policy but was disappointed at the delays in advancing the Sutton to Sandycove cycleway: