1 Executive Summary

This report outlines the plan for CycleConnects developed by AECOM on behalf of the NTA. This plan outlines the steps taken in the development of this National Plan which is comprised of 22 individual cycle networks in each respective county. Individual technical notes and maps for the separate counties can be found on the NTA consultation webpage. The plan does not prescribe any cycle infrastructure for the routes presented but mainly serves to illustrate the potential cycle connections between all major towns and cities outside the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).

There are many benefits to developing a comprehensive cycle network that will serve both rural and urban communities outside the GDA. These include physical health benefits, reduced dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate impacts. Additionally, there are social and economic benefits to the promotion of cycling and improved cycle infrastructure.

A policy review of guidance documents and policies was also undertaken as part of the CycleConnects development. These include reports and guidelines from government bodies such as the Department of Transport, TII and the NTA. Sustainable travel policies and guidelines published by Northern Ireland and the European Union have also been reviewed. Included in this policy review was the National Cycle Manual produced by the NTA. This is in the process of being updated and will have a larger focus on rural cycling when published. The National Cycle Network developed by TII was also included in the review. This is done to ensure that both cycle networks are aligned to each other.

A review of cycle networks in other countries was also undertaken. This allowed for the comparison and assessment of factors such as route classification, infrastructure type and the types of routes chosen. It demonstrated that the safer yet less direct routes are commonly chosen for these large-scale networks. The review also highlighted the importance of signage and wayfinding for cyclists. The primary objective of this was to develop a technical methodology that is influenced by the high quality cycle networks developed in countries such as Netherlands and Denmark and that an equivalent cycle network can be developed and delivered in Ireland.

A network development methodology was set out to aid route selection, particularly in rural areas. It was aided by the collection of data that would influence the routing decisions. This data included the locations of schools, employment areas, CSO settlement data, sports facilities and hospitals. Information was also requested from local authorities regarding existing and proposed cycle projects in the various counties. This received information was used to help select the routes for the CycleConnects cycle network. At all times throughout the development of CycleConnects safety of cyclists was prioritised.

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessments (AA) are also being undertaken for CycleConnects. This has been conducted on the understanding that a more detailed project specific environmental assessment will be undertaken at a later stage for each route in each county once specific infrastructure and routing is finalised in each location.

The proposed network plan is comprised of interurban routes that connect settlements of over 1000 people. Existing and proposed greenways/blueways were also included in the network. Any town with a population of over 5000, as per the 2016 Census, has been developed further with a more dense urban cycle network to cater for increased cycle demand. These urban networks were comprised of primary and secondary routes. This network plan is comprised of 22 county networks and 57 urban networks, linking into the existing GDA and Northern Ireland cycle networks to create a comprehensive cycle network for Ireland.