€1m for new cycle facilities, better access for walkers and new road.

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has welcomed the announcement of €1 million in funding from the Department of Transport to go towards improving transport infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists in Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown. This is part of a new round of funding of €12 million for more than a hundred projects in the Greater Dublin Area under the Sustainable Transport Measures Programme 2012.

“I am delighted that this funding has been made available to improve facilities for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists in Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown. One million euro had been provided, €600,000 of which will be used to improve the junction and signalling at the junction of Upper Kilmacud Road and Blackthorn Junction. This will include new cycle facilities and better access for pedestrians and cyclists at Sandyford Luas stop.

“Design works on a new road from Leopardstown Road to Sandyford Business District will also be carried out which will go towards improving the situation for people travelling this route, helping to shorten journey times and make life that bit easier.

“Work on designing a new cycle and walking link from Belfield campus to the Dart will also be carried out. These days more and more people are opting for local transport or are taking to their bikes. It is important that we encourage these trends by making sure that the facilities and pathways that cyclists and pedestrian use are up to scratch.

“Despite the constraints on his Department, the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, has made a concerted effort to ensure that smaller projects that will have a big impact locally are adequately funded.

“By providing €12 million for more than 100 road, bus, cycle and pedestrian projects in the Greater Dublin Area, the Minister is addressing the needs of all commuters, by seeking out the ways to best improve means of transport while encouraging more sustainable ways of travelling.