Blueways / Greenways Information Seminar NSMC Joint Secretariat Armagh 30 th April 2015

The opportunity in 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 Environment in 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 Network in the South

Potential off-road routes in 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