Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has welcomed the announcement of more than €4 million for smarter travel projects in Dun Laoghaire and Rathdown, which is being made available by the National Transport Authority to improve pedestrian access and encourage greater use of bikes and public transport.

“A wide range of projects are being planned for construction or design this year, thanks to the provision of €4,265,000 for Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council. The projects are aimed at making travel around the constituency safer for local people as well as putting the infrastructure in place to encourage people to ditch the car in favour of walking or cycling as their primary mode of transport.

“Dublin is such a great city to cycle around and the improvements that are planned for cyclists that use the N11 corridor, those attending UCD, cyclists in Stillorgan, Monkstown, Belfield, Blackrock, Windy Arbour and beyond will not only make it easier for cyclists to get around, it will also make it safer.

“A number of studies are also to be commission aimed at identifying improvements to transport networks for pedestrians, cyclists, public and private transport in a bid to determine how best to improve the environment and traffic concerns. All of this is taking place despite our budgetary constraints with the focus on enhancing the lives and the safety of all people in Dun Laoghaire and Rathdown.

“Footpaths and carriageways will be reconstructed along Braemor Road, which includes the provision of new cycle track and an improved interchange between bus and rail is to be designed for Dun Laoghaire which will encourage the use of local transport and help save commuters time.A new access route to Sandyford from the M50 will go to design stage and a feasibility study will be carried out into the provision of a public bike hire scheme for Dun Laoghaire.

“These new developments will go a long way to improving access for people irrespective of whatever mode of transport they opt for. But most importantly it will make cycling and walking more appealing, having knock-on benefits for the mind, body and soul of those who avail of it.”