MARCH 2007

A STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF IRISH CYCLE TOURISM CONCLUSIONS REPORT

NEW EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Challenge 01 Executive Summary 2 Executive Summary 01 The Challenge 3 Contents

06. Delivery Steps and Next 45 03. Be Done? What Needs To 04. the Infrastructure Developing 05. the Product Marketing 13 19 37 01. Tourism The Irish Cycle Challenge Facing 05 02. What Does the Competition Look Like? 09 Summary Executive Executive 01 The Challenge 01 Executive Summary 4 Executive Summary 01 The Challenge easy to carry bikes, there is no evidence of easy to carry bikes, there is no evidence is a coherent network, much less one that linked to a reliable public transport system; the the system and facilities in Ireland for cycle carriage of bikes on trains is poor and parking facilities at many train stations are inadequate; professionally run bicycle and accessory hire facilities is a key constraint. safe – cyclists face dangerous bends, fast safe – cyclists face dangerous bends, cars, intimidating HGVs, more traffic and higher speeds; leave to cater for touring cyclists wanting to or for the cities to discover the countryside families who wish to participate in cycling; Airlines and ferry companies do not make it Compared with other European destinations, strategically located, The lack of good quality, on Irish roads is not perceived to be Cycling routes traffic-free if any, There are very few, o o o o o 5 Satisfaction Ratings Satisfaction and qualitative information on the cycling product was conducted by MORI in 2005. It found that; 2005. causes of the decline, a research project specifically designed to elicit both quantitative 76% in 2000 to 50% in 2005 and unsatisfied the same customers rising from 2% to 9% over visitors period. Despite the decline, overseas an who cycled while in Ireland contributed in estimated 34.5 million Euro to the economy walking tourism numbers and the satisfaction walking tourism numbers and the satisfaction ratings for the product continued to decline. Satisfaction with the quality of the product of is also being eroded with the percentage very satisfied holiday makers falling from stood at 130,000. By 2004 this number had stood at 130,000. By 2004 this number fallen by dropped to 85,000 and by 2005 it had slight a further 25,000. While there was a very 2006, increase in cycle tourism numbers in in this increase was less than the increase the number of overseas participants in cycling the number of overseas participants in 01 Tourism The Cycle Irish Facing Challenge While it is difficult to pinpoint the precise 1.1 Cycle Visitor Numbers and 1.1 Cycle decline in Ireland. In 2000 Cycle tourism is in The Challenge 01 Executive Summary cycling, whichalsohaveanimpactonthedemand motivational linksbetweenhealthandrecreational is alsoagrowingrecognitionthatthereare forlocalandregionaleconomies. benefit There demand isbeingconvertedintotangibleeconomic for cycletourism,withclearindicationsthatthis we discoverevidenceofanincreasingdemand When welooktoIreland’s competitordestinations the 11th ofSeptember 2005.Keyrecommendationsincluded; of some764Irishandoverseasholidaymakers.Fieldworktookplacebetweenthe14thJuly interviews withjournalistsinkeymarkets. A second stage ofresearchinvolvedaquantitativesurvey This two-stageprojectinvolved13in-depthinterviewswithcyclingtouroperatorsand6 MoriSurvey The extensively. DonegalandtheWicklowmountains. forthecyclist. o o o o o o Work togethertoprovidesafe,clearlymarked,wellsignedroutes. Sort outadequatesupportingpublictransporttohelpcycliststravelmore Vary theIrish cyclingproductandspreadthenetworktotakeinplaceslikeSligo, Improve cyclerouteswithbettersignposting,roadsurfacesandgreatersafety Design theroutesaroundparticularthemes,likeWine Tour inFrance. Develop adesignatedcyclingnetworkaroundthecountry. 6 locally. but alsotoimprovethequalityoflifeforpeople towards theeconomicrevitalisationofruralareas potential notonlytomakeanactivecontribution stand aloneorsupportothermarkets.Ithasthe Cycle tourismisagrowingnichemarket.Itcan for cyclingandwalkingwithinthetourismsector.

Executive Summary 01 The Challenge This initiative is concerned with developing, is concerned with This initiative cycle tourism and promoting the enhancing product of Ireland’s product as a key component of which will facilitate portfolio, the development balanced and sustainable the growth of a spatially tourism economy. cycle tourism presents a The development of to bring the economic particular opportunity benefits to the rural areas of Ireland. of tourism rural environment, they Cyclists enjoy the outdoor carry cannot they since and area, an in longer stay bikes, they much in the way of provisions on their benefitingneed to shop locally and regularly thus local providers. 7 various measures to make them attractive to both various measures to make them attractive suggests domestic and overseas visitors. It also challenging the development of some longer more for a routes and sketches out the framework National Cycle Network. spend in rural areas. This strategy forms a subset This strategy forms a spend in rural areas. Development Product Tourism of the Fáilte Ireland on a number It focuses NDP. Strategy within the destination with particularly of areas within the cycling, and describes high potential for holiday In response to this challenge the “Strategy for the the “Strategy for to this challenge In response been has Tourism” of Irish Cycle Development how best to renew the developed to determine in Ireland, how to encourage popularity of cycling cycle in Ireland, and how to visitors to come to can generate visitor ensure that cycle tourism 1.2 The Response The existing Táín Trail route following the N61 is much busier than the quieter The existing Táín Trail recommended alternative along back roads 02 The Challenge 01 Executive Summary 8 Executive Summary 02 The Opportunity 9 - million day trips involved people using their bike as a main means of transport; holiday, along with 21% of Germans and 6% along with 21% of Germans and holiday, of Swedes; (71.4 million trips) included mountain biking further 25 A or cycling as a main activity. visit the Islands of Fyn and Bornholm and account for 477,000 bed nights; population cycles for leisure, 4.7 million population cycles for leisure, 4.7 million participate in half-day excursions, while 2.4 million participate in half-day excursions for an average of 10 days per year; In Britain some 2% of all leisure day trips In Denmark some 53,000 cycle tourists Some 22% of all Dutch cycle during their In France, where some 15% of the French 02 Whatlook like? Competition does the o o o improve the quality of life for people locally. locally. people for life of quality the improve as a tourism activity Cycling o cycling and walking within the tourism sector. Cycle Cycle sector. tourism the within walking and cycling stand can It market. niche growing a is tourism potential the has It markets. other support or alone the towards contribution active an make to only not to also but areas rural of revitalisation economic demand is being converted into tangible economic economic tangible into converted being is demand is There economies. regional and local for benefit motiva are there that recognition growing a also cycling, recreational and health between links tional for demand the on impact an have also which 2.1 The Increasing Demand for Cycle 2.1 The Increasing Cycle Demand for Tourism destinations competitor Ireland’s to look we When demand increasing an of evidence discover we this that indications clear with tourism cycle for The Response 03 Executive Summary years ofopeningthenetwork. 2-3 network hasbeenreturnedwithinthefirst (6.3 millioneuro)investedinthe3,300-kilometre indicate thattheinitial10millionSwissFranc Estimates providedbytheVeloland Schweizoffice key partnerindevelopingcycletourism. maximum flexibility. The railwayhasbecomea and droppedoff atanothertherebyproviding stations andabikecanbehiredatonestation There arebicyclehireoutletsatrailway 21SF was 121SF, shortbreaks89SF, daytrippers, of spendingperdaycapitabyholidaycyclists approximately 63millionEuro). The averagelevel the networkofsome100millionSwissFrancs(or network withatotalexpenditureaccruingfrom estimated 3milliontripsontheVeloland Schweiz In 1998,itsfirstyearofoperation,therewerean off-road quietroads. andverylightlytrafficked Switzerland. The routesoffer acombinationof The networkcomprisesnineroutesacross Switzerland Veloland Schweiz - 1 Switzerland 10 as muchinitsrichculturalassociations and vineyards. The appealoftheroutelies ic townsofMelkandKrems,passingcastles dedicated ferrycrossings,throughthehistor to Vienna, alongadedicatedcycleway, with Danube fromPassau,ontheGermanborder The routerunsfor278kilometresalongthe throughout thewholeof Austria, of 23regional,themedroutesestablished product. The DanubeCyclePathisonlyone has maturedintoamajorinternationaltourist region ofsome1.2milliontripsannually. It route. Itisestimatedthatitattractsinthe most popularandsuccessfulthemedcycle The DanubeCyclePathisprobablyEurope’s Path -Austria DanubeCycleThe tive tourism. ‘Sanften Tourismus’ orenvironmentallysensi routes arebeingbuiltunderthebannerof small networkshasbeendeveloped. These become thekeyroutefromwhichaseriesof entirely off-road. The Danuberoutehas the factthatforits278kilometresitisalmost the outstandingqualityoflandscape,and 2 - Austria -

Executive Summary 02 The Opportunity

Austria Ireland - - -

http://www. 4

An Existing Signed Cycle Route in Route Signed Cycle An Existing Ireland is pre-booked. For the rest of those tours, the is pre-booked. For the rest of those tours, using cyclist can chart his or her own course Accommodation Guide. For the Kingfisher those who prefer total freedom, the Kingfish the cyclist the er Independent option offers by opportunity to go as her or she pleases Ac Map and Trail purchasing the Kingfisher commodation Guide. Details at cycletoursireland.com/ The KingFisher Trail KingFisher The the Fermanagh and Primarily based in brings Trail KingfisherLeitrim lakelands, the monuments and at the cyclist to historic It loops around lakes tractive landmarks. by rivers and streams, and islands, winds woods and forest and and passes through The cyclist will travel to country parks. scenic viewpoints as well as down rustic of village streets. It includes over 300 miles trail and is suitable for cyclists of all levels. for New loops were added in 2005 to allow from 1 shorter “Out & Back” tours — ranging can offer Trail The Kingfisher day upwards. can advice on all-in packages or the cyclist where Tours also choose Semi-Independent accommodation only the first and last nights’

11 - Britain - 3 tions whilst retaining the potential both for further tions whilst retaining the potential both improvement and development. breakfast operators made the biggest gains, with breakfast operators made the biggest C2C had a third of the latter estimating that the of 20 increased their visitor numbers by in excess business at per cent with some putting the rise in closer to 100 per cent. the value Now over ten years old, C2C illustrates changing of such a route to local businesses, the can accom dynamics of a maturing product which modate a range of user profiles holiday op and Britain pioneering long-distance The C2C is the UK’s runs for 140 miles on minor challenge route. It cycle paths through Cumbria roads and traffic-free the Irish Sea in the west to and Northumbria, from east. the North Sea in the very positively by businesses The route is viewed shops and bed and Cycle in the route corridor. The C2C Cycle Route Route The C2C Cycle

03 What needs to be done? 03 Executive Summary 12

03 What needstobedone What 03 Executive Summary 03 What needs to be done? facilitate its dynamic use to create local wealth and and wealth local create to use dynamic its facilitate employment. of rural-based activity holidays. This would be be would This holidays. activity rural-based of the towards trend the reverse to helping as seen rekindling by industry tourism the of urbanisation driving phenomenon rural vibrant a as tourism businesses. small change. rapid undergoing is sector tourism The hard it finding is accommodation B&B Traditional Such rooms. hotel low-cost against compete to accommodation on-farm with along businesses in themselves reposition to ways seeking are close-up, visitors offer and place market the attributes natural the of experiences personal ten of out Nine destination. the of assets and ‘natural ‘and scenery ‘beautiful specify visitors for reasons main their as environment’ unspoilt ensure to then reason more the All here. coming infrastructure and introduced are measures that this safeguard only not will that developed also will but tourism, of benefit the for resource There is evidence that the potential of the the of potential the that evidence is There wealth and destination visitor a as countryside appears West The realised. being not is generator an as advantage natural its exploit to failing be to Given holidays. activity-based for location ideal small- of future the surrounds that uncertainty the tourism the to looking are many farming, scale contribution. economic greater a provide to sector a is there that argue would commentators Many the towards investment tourism skewing for case development the supporting proactively and west 13

and northwest and by 39% in the Shannon region. region. Shannon the in 39% by and northwest and be to tends tourism areas, these within Even Galway, of centres urban the on concentrated Limerick. and Westport a third of the national tourism spend, with the the with spend, tourism national the of third a increasing regions Midlands-East and South-East have bed-nights total While share. market their years, five last the in 41% by Dublin in increased west the in 21% by fallen have rates occupancy A report commissioned by the Tourism Industry Industry Tourism the by commissioned report A where regions, weaker that shows Confederation are importance, economic greater of is tourism regional stronger by eclipsed being of danger in almost absorbed Dublin 2003, In destinations. such that it accounts for 7.6% of gross added value value added gross of 7.6% for accounts it that such value added gross 2.8% to compared region the in for accounts employment Tourism-related Dublin. in 3% to compared west the in workforce the of 5.4% Dublin. in Tourism, which has responsibility for counties counties for responsibility has which Tourism, the that indicates Roscommon and Mayo Galway, have region the to visitors overseas of numbers economic The 2003. since 12% some by fallen is economy western the to tourism of contribution Dublin, Limerick, Kilkenny, Waterford and Galway Galway and Waterford Kilkenny, Limerick, Dublin, to continued areas rural to visitors increased, decline. West Ireland by commissioned report recent A in long-term planning for the development of of development the for planning long-term in tourism Irish from earnings Total areas. rural increase an billion, €5.3 to amounted 2005 in of number the While 2004. on million €200 of including centres urban to traveling tourists tourism? address to need the is significance particular Of visitor the of development the in imbalance the engage to need associated the and economy 3.1 Why develop a strategy for cycle cycle for strategy a develop Why 3.1 03 What be done needs to

What needs to be done? 03 Executive Summary 14 holiday operator. either self-organised, or organised by a cycling overnight stay changes. Cycling holidays can be location and “Cycling Touring Holidays” where the Cycling Holidays” based on a single overnight also needs to be made between “Centre-based Short Breaks” of one to three nights. A distinction four or more nights or more commonly “Cycling holidays taken may be “Long Cycling Holidays” of are usually referred to as ‘dedicated cyclists’. The is the main purpose of the holiday. Participants both domestic and overseas visitors, where cycling Cycling Holidays Tourism? What are the main types Cycle of cycling sphere. paid to the potential of these sub-sets of the wider future phases of this project, further attention is assignment. However, it is recommended that in dimension, these are not the focus of this rides and cycle racing that may have a tourism mountain biking, club cycling, organised cycle While there are other types of cycling such as for a day- or half-day cycle ride. home by bike, or taking the bike by car, train or bus residence. These trips may involve setting out from home to places outside a person’s usual place of Cycling Day Visits: undertaken during the holiday. this instance, is one of a number of activities while on holiday away from home. Cycling, in rides taken by both domestic and overseas visitors cycling while on holiday and comprises day cycle Holiday Cycling:

: this involves participating in these are defined as holidays, by

these are defined as trips from Executive Summary 03 What needs to be done? 15 generate a substantial demand. services. The lesson learned from the early The lesson learned services. and stages of the UK National Cycle Network in Canada other schemes such as La Route Verte cycle and the German, Dutch and Swiss national can networks is that an improved infrastructure potential economic development opportunities potential economic development opportunities routes. for rural areas in close proximity to the the creation This has been achieved both through of new infrastructure as well as, importantly, and the maintenance of existing infrastructure well as North American countries paying close well as North These attention to cycling as a tourism activity. cycle destinations are currently developing of tourism infrastructure including the provision have dedicated cycling routes. Such initiatives increased cycle tourism related traffic and hence desire, such as offering a challenge or an overall a challenge or an overall desire, such as offering see an and well-being. We feeling of relaxation of European countries such increasing number France, Germany, as Britain, the Netherlands, as Czech Republic and Switzerland The Austria, 3.2 What are the benefits? the are What 3.2 tourism lies in its capacity The appeal of cycle experience that visitors to provide a tourism What needs to be done? 03 Executive Summary o o range of other government priorities such as: the extent to which this initiative also addresses a development of tourism, it is important to recognise While firmly couched within the agenda for the Improved mental and physical health of the Sustainable transport – cycling can reduce and decreasing the use of finite fossils fuels; amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving local air quality, decreasing the the number of trips made by cars, thereby far outweigh the associated risks; studies indicate that health benefits of cycling public health. Uk and continental based an important element in strategies to improve commuting / leisure riding is now recognized as and properly functioning body. Cycling required in order to maintain a healthy weight populations – regular physical exercise is 16 o o Regional and small local economic development Improved quality of life in urban and town of particular advantage to the rural community. spend their money in the local community which is – cycle tourists stay longer and have more time to time; in which citizens can relax, chat, shop and spend threatening and therefore a more attractive place atmosphere. I.e. The environment becomes less in terms of noise, road safety, and general to bicycles improves the urban / town environment environments – Transferring commuters from cars Executive Summary 03 What needs to be done? then be encouraged to cycle more frequently frequently more cycle to encouraged be then purposes; other for well-being. and fitness utilised resources for example country lanes lanes country example for resources utilised by–roads; and disused example for resources, derelict or lines; railway attract to help can and area an visit to people visitor; of types new for holiday multiactivity a of part as activity of length extend to help will which visitors, visits; repeat encourage and stay may people as cycling utility encourage may and holiday on while cycling rediscover health, personal enhances tourism Cycle under- often existing, of use good makes It redundant for use alternative an provide can It for incentives new provide can tourism Cycle and attraction added an provide can Cycling to help can tourism cycle Encouraging o o o o o o 17 communities. This is increasingly important as as important increasingly is This communities. reduce and emissions CO2 reduce to aim we warming; global they spend will stay in the local economy; local the in stay will spend they minimal with tourism of form sustainable host and environment the on impact cycle hire and cycling holiday operations in in operations holiday cycling and hire cycle areas; rural money the that likelihood greater a is there rural businesses and services. Spending by by Spending services. and businesses rural pubs, rural support to helps tourists cycle and attractions rural small-scale shops, village accommodation; of providers based rurally areas. Cycle tourists will spend at least as as least at spend will tourists Cycle areas. area; rural a in visitors other as much for opportunities particular offers and trade valuable market segment, particularly for rural rural for particularly segment, market valuable environmentally an is tourism Cycle businesses local use will tourists cycle As of development the for opportunities offers It local generating at good is tourism Cycle and growing a represent tourists Cycle o o o o Further Benefits Further o

04 Developing the Infrastructure 04 Executive Summary

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Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing Developing the Infrastructure 4 Developing theInfrastructure 04 tourism destination are manifold. Broadly Ireland into a competitive and appealing cycle The interventions that are required to transform 4.1 The Range Interventions of of the regions as follows: and detailed reports have been prepared for each during the course of a week’s holiday. Dedicated forming a natural area capable of being explored constituent regions each having its own identity and was necessary to divide the study area into its broad geographical scope of the assignment it East Coast and Midlands Region. Given the Region. The extended study area included the other specific destinations such as the Shannon West and North West of Ireland together with The original study area included the entire South, including maps and website. the destination to prospective cycle tourists deployed to effectively profile, market and promote measures include the range of tools that can be between cycling and public transport. Softer and services as well as improving the integration attractive, dramatically improving cycle hire facilities make the cycling experience safer and more includes changes to the road network so as to elements and “softer” measures. The former speaking, they can be divided into infrastructural East CoastandMidlands The North West North The The SouthEast The Cork –Kerry Cork The West The Shannon 19 o o o o o o o o o Attractive routes with good scenery; Safe places to cycle and consideration Website including route planner facility. Easy access to alternative cycle-friendly Routes to be promoted on maps; Accessible maintenance and repair Food, accommodation and refreshments Opportunities to visit local attractions and Well-connected and signposted routes

Need? Do Cycle Tourists What from other road users; modes of transport; facilities; overnight stops; comfortable distances for stopping off / available at intervals, which reflect specific places of interest; and destinations avoiding long detours;

Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing 04 Executive Summary Executive Developing the Infrastructure 04 Executive Summary o o o o These are: “Irish Cycle Network” map on the following page. of thirteen gateways are identified, as shown on the abroad. They consist of airports and ports. A total as those entry points to the country for visitors from Cycling Gateways in this study are simply defined 4.2.1 Cycling Gateways Cycle Hub Towns and Cycle Routes. identification of a network comprising Gateways, required, criteria were established for the In order to determine the specific interventions Cycle Hub Towns and Cycle Routes 4.2 The Cycle Network - Gateways, Rosslare Port Dun Laoghaire Port Dublin Port Dublin Airport “Cycling Hub”or“Potential Cycling Hub”Designation for aTown /City Criteria UsedinDecidingon

Hub Cycling Potential Hub Cycling (1) A Given A Given Attractive Right in ItsOwn Destination

(2)

Essential Essential rail) (ideally by Transport by Public Accessible Tourist Accommodation (3) accommodation bicycle-friendly ideally with Essential, accommodation bicycle-friendly ideally with Essential, Plentiful 20 (4) passage of the bike. On leaving the terminal or how to accommodate cyclists and ensure safe Ferries and airlines should have clear policies on Airport – the most important entry point to Ireland. places for cyclists. This is especially true for Dublin It is essential for the gateways to be welcome o o o o o o o o o transport terminal to the wider cycle network. routes should be in place, seamlessly linking the airport, high quality, attractive, well-signed cycle opportunities and otther free options on traffic depending safer routes (additional) on creating can bedone (but work Essential, Essential Routes Cycling and Safe Attractive Donegal Airport Sligo Airport Ireland West Airport Galway Airport Shannon Airport Kerry Airport (Farranfore) Cork Airport Cork / Ringaskiddy Port Waterford Regional Airport (5) Essential; Not Essential

Routes Signed ( 6)

Route Maps Essential; Not Essential (7)

Community Supportive Services/ Hire/Repair Bicycle established must be hire outlet bicycle hub, a full cycling become a However to Essential: Not Essential

Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing Developing the Infrastructure dangerous roads. A cycling hub will also, ideally, be developed to avoid any particularly busy or cycle further afield and specific cycle routes will and catering facilities will ensure that visitors can explore the area by cycle. Local accommodation and guides drawn up to encourage the public to be available, tours will be arranged, and maps and businesses. Bike hire and repair services will cyclists, with cycle-friendly roads, places to stay accommodation. They will be welcoming to public transport and will have plentiful visitor in their own right. They will be accessible by Cycling Hubs Towns will be attractive destinations 4.2.2 Cycling Hub Towns Region North West West Shannon Cork – Kerry South East & Midlands East Coast

Gateways Derry Airport Donegal Airport Sligo Airport Ireland West Airport Galway Airport Shannon Airport Kerry Aiport Cork Airport Cork/Ringaskiddy Port Waterford Regional Airport Rosslare Dun LaoghairePort Dublin Port Dublin Airport

Hubs Category One HubsCategory Sligo Derry Ballyshannon Achill Clifden Doolin Dingle Bantry Clonakilty Skibbereen Killarney Wexford Dungarvan Glendalough/Laragh Mullingar Dundalk 21 to sustainable transport and tourism. as concern for the environment and matters relating town may also be interested in wider issues such support for the initiatives proposed. A cycling hub so as to provide the local authority with strong important in the development phases of the project proactive business community. This is hugely organisations, cycling advocacy groups, or a cycling. This could include sporting cycling have a community sector that is supportive of

Hubs Category Two Hubs Category Sligo Buncrana Galway Westport Limerick Tuamgraney /Scariff Kilrush Ennis Cork Waterford Carrick-an- Súir New Ross Enniscorthy Kilkenny Athlone Dublin

Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing 04 Executive Summary Executive Developing the Infrastructure 04 Executive Summary

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Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing Developing the Infrastructure traffic-free greenways. along(side) N- or R-roads or by the creation of engineering works, for example on town roads, signposting but may also require other traffic returning to the hub town. The routes will require mainly be along minor roads and will be loop routes as identified in each of the Regional reports, will routes emanating from the town. These routes, number of attractive and safe, sign-posted, Long-distance Routes Each of the cycling hub towns will have a 4.2.3 Cycle Routes – Loop Routes and Category One above. require the production of maps and other items as in Ringaskiddy Port. The Category Two hubs will also city centre, nor does it continue all of the way to from the city but it does not link completely with the has a first-class greenway running South Eastwards of busier roads. For example Cork city currently out work on junctions to facilitate cyclists’ crossing to the nearest of the quietest minor roads, to carrying the creation of new greenways linking town centres truly cycling friendly. Such work would range from to enable these locations to be marketed as being More serious traffic engineering work will be required Hub - Category Two in a relatively short period (1-3 years). This work can begin immediately and be completed accommodation etc. Cycle hire will be in place. basic information on directions, route lengths, of routes. Maps will need to be produced giving in some cases, the resurfacing of short sections wins’ will be the formal signing of the routes and, The main work involved in realising these ‘quick Hub - Category One potential hub have been identified: criteria for hub status. Therefore two categories of area that can be identified as satisfying all of the Currently there are no towns within the study 23

growing market. participating in multi-activity holidays, an important loop routes will be particularly attractive for those any maps that are produced for the tourist. The of each of the identified routes will be detailed in tourist. It is envisaged that levels of suitability to the liking of the fitter, more experienced cycling because of topography or traffic levels will be more more suitable for the casual cyclist, while some lightly trafficked roads or traffic free sections), some be more suitable for families (i.e. will contain very natural and built heritage. Some of the loops will enable the cyclist to experience the best of the They will run mainly along quieter minor roads and be completed over a half-day or full-day’s cycling. Loop routes will be those identified routes that can Loop Routes

New Signing in Northern Ireland

Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing 04 Executive Summary Executive Developing the Infrastructure 04 Executive Summary spectacular S2S route. at the Broadmeadow Estuary finishing up on the North East of Dundalk and to the North of Dublin take in the proposed traffic-free sections to the would be a Belfast-Dublin route which would but very marketable long-distance concept route O’Groats challenge in the UK. A more manageable marketable concept similar the Lands End to John along the West coast. This could become a sections of a Malin Head to Mizen Head route The visitor may be attracted to cycling all or heavily trafficked routes. quieter minor roads away from the noisier more majority of the long-distance routes will be along vehicles on sections of R (or N-) road. The vast may sometimes include coaches or heavy goods and sharing the roads with mixed traffic, which who is comfortable cycling long-distances by bike targeted towards the more serious cycling visitor The development of long-distance routes is Long-Distance Routes National CycleNetwork Proposed signlayoutfor 3. 2. 1. Logosreflectingbrandingofroute Localroutenumber Nationalroutenumber

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Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing Developing the Infrastructure 25

paint! There however is a need for signs. Firstly a line of green grass up the centre rather than white chosen where traffic levels are light and lanes have throughout the country. These roads have been will utilise the network of country lanes and roads Much of the proposed Irish Cycle Network route Local Minor (Third Class) Roads 4.2.4 Types Roads of and, potentially, alongside the canals in the future. would include traffic-free sections around Dundalk route could be cycled in full or in sections and attractiveness is the Táin Trail Cycling Route. This proposed to be upgraded to improve safety and An existing long-distance route which is enforcement can be better enforced. should also be investigated whether speeding limits can be reduced along certain sections. It project) it should be investigated whether speed Cycling Network, then (during delivery phase of the shoulders. If R-roads are to form part of a National Most of the Regional roads do not have hard and are not particularly comfortable to cycle along. greater volumes of general traffic at higher speeds and vehicular speeds are low. Others attract far volumes, low proportions of HGV’s or tour coaches, varies enormously. Some have relatively low traffic The cycle friendliness of Regional or R-roads Regional (R) Roads average cost per km is €3,000. between towns and also roads that are scenic. The selected those which form a reasonably direct line busier roads. In choosing the minor roads, we have expect cyclists. The latter signage is only on the also we need to altert cars to the fact they should we need to direct cyclists to their destination and

Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing 04 Executive Summary Executive Developing the Infrastructure 04 Executive Summary as per 4.2.5 below. intervention is to provide a 2.5m+ off-road cycle trackdrivers of the presence of cyclists. A more involved(in addition to cycle directional signage) to warn recommended that special signage should be erected wide dedicated space for cyclists. In these cases, ithowever, is have hard shoulders which can act as a speed limit of 100kph. Some National roads do, (HGV’s) and tour coaches. They also have a default carrying significant volumes of Heavy Goods Vehicleswith the R-roads, traffic levels are higher with many as forming part of a National Cycling Network. As National or N-roads are not, generally, recommended National (N) Roads 26

Traffic-Free Routes and Greenways Indeed in the urban areas with appropriate design own rights, as is the case throughout Europe. greenways will become tourist attractions in their provide excellent recreational facility. Strategic Also riverside paths and canal towpaths can Ireland and these can provide excellent greenways. with horses. Disused railway lines are plentiful in always shared with pedestrians and sometimes other distraction of cycling in traffic. Greenways are and sights of the countryside without the noise and possible as this enables them to enjoy the sounds cyclists, like to be away from traffic whenever Cyclists, particularly less experienced and young up areas and by-pass busy dangerous roads. sections to enable cyclists of all abilities to leavehalf built- a dozen or so routes, of high quality traffic freeRecommendations are made for the creation, on are high and conditions for cycling are very poor. roads for, perhaps 5-10km, where vehicular speeds Currently, they are required to use busy R and N- cyclists leaving the cities to discover the countryside.traffic-free routes to cater particularly for those touringThere is a strong need to create some world-class

Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing Developing the Infrastructure are provided below. anticipated for the development of the network Examples of the types of physical intervention Required on the Cycle Network 4.2.5 Examples Interventions of be one of the finest greenways in Europe. alongside Dublin Bay would doubtless prove to If developed in full the proposed S2S promenade km is estimated to be €150,000. and Cork to Ringaskiddy. The average cost per City to Newport to Achill, Dungarvan to Waterford Potential greenways in Ireland include Galway these can also be used for utility journeys. 27

larger heavy goods vehicles (5 axles or more) are improve safety on the city streets as many of the opening of the Dublin Port Tunnel which should environment. A topical relevant example is the the only way to improve conditions in the urban management system of any town but may be strategic and expensive intervention in the traffic way street systems. This is, of course, a more together with cyclist-unfriendly multi-lane one- complex junctions with multi-lane approaches limits), and in some cases to reconfigure wide calming measures / introducting 30kph speed town centre, to slow down traffic (e.g. with traffic volumes (especially heavy goods vehicles) in the the ideal or preferred choice is to reduce traffic town and traffic levels and /or speeds are high, Where the cycle network passes through a major City / Town Cycle Provision removed from the central zone from 7am to 7pm.

Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing 04 Executive Summary Executive Developing the Infrastructure 04 Executive Summary be such that the route will not feel safe and peaceful.and the nearby presence of heavy goods vehicles can path of faster moving vehicles. However, noise levelsprovide a safe, wide, corridor for cyclists out of thewide, well-surfaced, hard shoulders – these can unavoidable sections, it may be desirable to provide we wish to avoid cycling on N or R-roads. On Generally due to high traffic levels and high speeds Provision along / alongside R and N roads of urban segregated cycle-facilities. is suggested as working estimate for the provision move existing services). A figure of €150,000 / km signals are proposed or where it is necessary to (especially at junctions and especially if new dependent on the nature of civil works required cycle-friendly routes in urban areas since it is to estimate the average cost per km of providing Given the above discussion, it can be very difficult conflicts and crashes occur. junctions – the locations where the majority of that special attention is given to the design of the facility is to be provided along a link, it is imperative However, it should be noted that if a dedicated cycle evolving one) and beyond the scope of this study. a given urban context is a subject in itself (and an detail of what type of facility is most appropriate for the main carriageway and that of the footpath). The “raised adjacent” facility (at a level between that of with a segregating kerb, at pavement level or as a be more appropriate – either at carriageway level lanes. In other cases a wide segregated facility may shared bus / cycle-lanes or wide (ideally 2.0m) cycle- for example by creating very wide (ideally 4.5m) prioritising carriageway space in favour of the cyclist, it is desirable to improve provision for cyclists by re- Where such serious interventions are not possible,

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Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing Developing the Infrastructure 29 4.3 MountainBiking cost per km is estimated at €90,000. improved environment for the cyclist. The average generation of cycle facilities provide a dramatically provision of these poorer facilites so that a new use by cyclists. Lessons must be learnt from the track in Ireland at present that are impracticable to many very poor examples of short lengths of cycle at the beginning and end of the track. There are machine-laid bitmac and have flush dropped kerbs surface of the cycle track should be smooth, from traffic by a 1.0m grass strip margin. The R or N roads. These tracks should be separated well-designed length of cycle track alongside the In some cases, it may be desirable to construct a gleaned from Coillte Forestry. Further information on this plan be on land across east Limerick and north Cork within over 25 kms of purpose built singletrack biking trails the globe. The development will see construction of challenging trails known to mountain bikers across who has designed some of the most exciting and the world’s leading trail designer Dafydd Davis that Mountain Bike Centre will be designed by advanced state of development and it is understood Killary, Co. Wicklow. The Ballyhoura site is at an Co. Wicklow), and (iii) Killary Cycle Centre, near Ballinastoe Mountain Bike Area (near Roundwood, Network (near Kilfinnane, Co. Limerick), (ii) Coillte sites: (i) Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail the provision of MTB facilities in three separate understood that funding has been sought for was not part of the remit of this study but it is A study of the potential of Mountain-biking (MTB)

http://www.ballyhouracountry.com/

Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing 04 Executive Summary Executive Developing the Infrastructure 04 Executive Summary truly cycling friendly culture and destination. the trend that is required for Ireland to become a is becoming increasingly difficult – the opposite of European countries. The carriage of bikes on trains cycle parking facilities as is the norm in many have safe, conveniently-located, attractive, sheltered stations. Few such public transport interchanges to airports, ports and even some of the main train are few, if any, well sign-posted, safe, cycling routes is very poorly integrated with public transport. There Compared with our Continental competitors, cycling Transport 4.4 Integration Cycling of and Public vandalism or theft. a resource to maintain the signage in the case of with the Local Authority who then should allocate tourist. Ownership of signage should normally rest network to cater for the more experienced cycling also made for the signing of a much longer cycle for the cycling tourist. Recommendations are facilitate in the creation of a seamless experience established system across the border counties will Therefore, the continuity of the “Euro-Velo” the National Cycle Network in Northern Ireland. the signage used throughout Britain and also with wide cycling network. It will be consistent with the model developed for Euro-Vélo, the European- dedicated signage system for cyclists based on This strategy recommends the creation of a 4.3 Signage 30

cities. bike parking stands in many German and Danish include a public bike pump, as is provided at public dismantle / re-assemble their bikes. This could be set aside at each airport to enable cyclists to park at every airport. A dedicated area should There should be a well-located, well-designed cycle from the nearest city or town. routes for cyclists leading to and from the airport that there are safe, attractive and well sign-posted pleasant experience. This means, most crucially, It is very important that those first few hours are a her first impressions from their first few hours here. to Ireland, and so the visiting cyclist will form his or They are the arrival points for the majority of visitors All airports should be cycle-friendly environment. 4.4.1 Airports phase of the study. recommended that this takes place in the next airports and the local councils, but it is strongly the airline companies making greatest use of the study to meet with the key figures in Aer Rianta, It was beyond the scope of this phase of the cycling friendly accommodation. the airport. They should also have information on the safest and most attractive routes leading from should have literature / maps for cyclists indicating 30). The tourism information points in the airports airport in the Netherlands. (See bottom right page travelling without them, as are provided at Schipol Bicycle boxes should be available for those cyclists

Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing Developing the Infrastructure outside of Dublin which obliges cycling visitors is compounded by the lack of cycle hire options with their bicycles. The impact of this restriction carriage sets) will be unable to travel together than two (or more than one in the case of three- of Dublin into rural Ireland. Groups of more for cycling tourists wishing to bring bicycles out This provision will present a very serious problem units or two bicycles on the six-carriage units. space for only one bicycle on the three-carriage delivered in 2007 and 2008, will have dedicated It is understood at off-peak)). urban services into Dublin (including DART (even Mallow, into Ennis from Limerick and all of the sub- Sligo lines, together with services into Cork from are used. This currently includes the Wexford and routes in which sub-urban rail style (Arrow) services services, it is not possible to carry bikes on those to carry bikes in the “Guard’s Van” of most Intercity by rail is inadequate. While it is currently possible Irish Rail’s existing policy on the carriage of bike trains can deliver them directly into rural Ireland. by ferry may not have access to a car and using participating in a cycling holiday. Cyclists arriving trains is a crucial link in the chain of planning and For many users, the ability to transport cycles on 4.4.3 Rail friendly worked on the issue of making ferries more bicycle advocacy organisations in the UK who have of the project, contact is developed with cycling recently. It is recommended that in the next phase The carriage of bikes was free-of-charge up until per single trip for Stena Line and Irish Ferries. Carriage of bikes is permitted at a cost of €8.00 adjacent cities / towns. should be available from all ports to the centre of Safe, attractive, well-sign posted cycling routes 4.4.2 Ports and Ferries 1 that the new intercity trains, being

31

Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing 04 Executive Summary Executive Developing the Infrastructure 04 Executive Summary baby buggies or those with disabilities. also improve flexibility and benefit customers with See figure below / above. Such modifications can the dedicated area and strapped in with a seat-belt. Northern Ireland. The bicycles are lined up neatly in fitting “flip-up seats” as are provided on services in (and other) services. This could, perhaps, mean such a way as to accommodate bicycles for intercity requesting their supplier to modify) carriages in investigates fully the feasibility of modifying (or It is strongly recommended that Irish Rail development of cycle tourism in rural areas. current plans will present a serious obstacle to the public transport to rural areas. In summary, the to hire bikes in Dublin and transport them by Fromameetingon Thursday 22ndMarch2007 betweenrepresentativesoftheprojectteam(Damien Ó Tuama andRickCook),the 1 client (representedbyPaddyO’Mahony) andIrishRail(representedbyMichaelPower 32 each of the stations. the of each from / to routes sign-posted well attractive, safe, providing to given is priority that so authorities local the with work to crucial also is it project, overall the of phase implementation the During station. Dock Spencer proposed newly the and station Connolly station, bus / rail Galway of redevelopment the during especially be should provision this for Opportunities Ireland. in station rail every at provided be must park cycle attractive sheltered, conveniently-located, Alarge, take their bikes on the train. planning their cycling trip and wish to be able to facilitate groups who want peace of mind when There should also be a reservation system to

, JoeBeardmoreandMylesMcHugh)

Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing Developing the Infrastructure is carried out in the next phase of work. to bicycle carriage but it is recommended that this the policies of the private bus companies in regard It was beyond the scope of this study to investigate another city. to the station and take the bus to the country or in Dublin in which many commuters would cycle especially true for the main Store Street station secure, sheltered cycle parking facilities. This is All Bus Éireann stations should have well located, quite expensive, especially for shorter trips. find the cost of the carriage of bikes on Bus Éireann anecdotal evidence would suggest that some users booking system should be available. Furthermore, coach for your bike is a less than ideal system. A and only then finding out if there is room on the a tightly defined itinerary. Turning up at a bus may need to be pre-booked, so users may have planning a holiday, accommodation (for example) while better than nothing, is far from ideal. When at the discretion of the driver. This arrangement, provided there is room on board. The decision is All Bus Éireann services will carry bicycles, 4.4.4 Bus

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Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing 04 Executive Summary Executive Developing the Infrastructure 04 Executive Summary off at locations other than where it was hired. have the facility for the tourist to drop the bicycle Some bike shops that do offer bicycle hire do not o o o o o often not available. Such items should include: one would normally expect for the cycling visitor is quality. Furthermore, the range of accessories that hire and these bicycles are sometimes of poor bicycle hire have a limited number of bicycles for concentrate on other goods. Some that do offer are hardware shops that sell a few bikes but no bicycle shops offering bicycle hire. Some Many towns have no bicycle shops at all or else destinations. hire businessisnotasprofessionalcompetitor cycling tourismproduct.Currentlythebicycle essential elementforthecreationofatopquality accessories forhirethroughoutthecountryisan The availabilityofgoodqualitybicyclesand 4.5.1 Existing Situation 4.5 Cycle Hire Maps of recommended routes Raingear Basic tools Bicycle Lights Pannier Bags 34 insurance. While some of the bigger Raleigh Rent- the insurance brokers decided to withdraw the Hire. However, in 2005, it is understood that insurance was organised through Irish Cycle took over Raleigh Ireland (in around 2000), the numbers of bikes being hired. When Eurotrek absorbed by the bike shops as a function of the theft) for all of the Raleigh Dealers with the costs (personal accident, third party, employer liability, Raleigh Ireland used to organise the insurance ie/_rentABike/rentABike.asp dealers covering rent-a-bike - Raleigh Ireland’s website does list the Raleigh dealers to organise this. Few do. is no longer available. The onus is on individual of bikes from one location to the next, this facility While Raleigh Ireland used to organise the transfer them from any insurance responsibility. the bike back on their return - thereby absolving dealers is to sell the bike to the customer and buy Rent-a-Bike scheme. The approach of some able to do so and have withdrawn from the Raleigh insurance, many of the smaller dealers were not a-Bike dealers were able to organise their own

http://www.raleigh.

Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing Developing the Infrastructure next phaseoftheproject. car hire.Suchanideashould bedevelopedatthe this point.Itcouldbelinkedwiththeprovisionof since somanyvisitorsareenteringthecountryat services couldbecomeavailableatDublin Airport The ideahasalsobeenraisedthatbicycle-hire solution canbefound. business viable–atleastuntilamorepermanent to thecyclehireoperatorsinordermake support orassistancewillneedtobeprovided cover. Itmaybethecasethat some sortof enable thebikehiredealerstoaccessinsurance companies inordertobrokeradealthatwould negotiations withsomeofthemajorinsurance It isrecommendedthatFáilteIrelandenterinto summer period. bulge insalesatChristmasandthesunnier with aboostearlyintheseasonbetween bikes inMarch/ April /Mayprovided theindustry with insuranceforbicyclehire. The bulksalesof associated anyone elsetoresolvethedifficulties Members ofthebicycleindustryareaskeen 4.5.2 Proposals 35 4.6 Cycling-Friendly Accommodation successful examplesfromabroad. in thenextphaseofproject–drawingon friendly accommodationshouldbeinvestigated It isrecommendedthatthesphereofcycling- o o o o fulfill severalrequirements. These wouldinclude: For accommodationtobecycle-friendly, itshould goodinformationoncyclingroutesinthe goodwashinganddryingfacilitiesforany basictoolsavailableforthecyclist; asecureandshelteredspotforthebicycle;

area. clothes andwet-gearbelongingtothecyclist;

Developing the Infrastructure Infrastructure the the Developing Developing 04 Executive Summary Executive 05 Marketing the Product 05 Executive Summary

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Marketing the Product Product the the Marketing Marketing Marketing the Product o o o o o o internationally. Interventionswillinclude; in itsendeavourtomarketthedestination current messagesemployedby Tourism Ireland by butimportantly, mustinformandrefresh Such interventionsmustnotonlybeinformed be conveyedtoexistingandpotentialvisitors. truly integratedandseamlessmessageisto range ofinterventionsthatwillberequiredifa strategy itisusefultothinkintermsofthe In termsofthemarketingaspectsthis Interventions Marketing Rangeof 5.1 The 05 MarketingtheProduct Directionalsigningtothevariousattributes, Informationalongtheroutesthemselves… Informationonarrival...whatallshould Awareness raisingpriortomakingthe Alignmentwithproductsubbranding… Alignmentwithdestinationbranding assets andattractionsoff the route signing appropriate brandingofadvancedirectional Information Centres at pointsofentry, atthehubs, Tourist be availablebywayofbrandedliterature fulfilment pieces decision tovisit-onlineandoff line profile activitytourism the keymessagesthatwillbeemployedto 37

marketing communicationsassociatedwiththe a consistentbrandshouldbeusedrelativetoall Notwithstanding thechallengethatthispresents, consistent andhowsuchconsistencyisensured. consumer weneedtoknowwhatneedsbe be developed.Fromthepointofview in whichconsumerfacingproductbrandswill and visuallycoherentarchitecturefortheway relates totheneedconstructaconsistent A keychallengewhenconsideringbranding 5.2 Branding brand; ratheritshouldcomplementarytoit. not beabigstepawayfromtheoverarching local distinctivenessshinethrough. This should flavour, aswellthenameofregionandits be usedtoensurethatthecharacteristicsand the same,subbrandsforregionalpurposesmay While theoverarchingormotherbrandwillremain participation intheactivity. through tomakingadecisionvisit,arrivaland brand fromtheearliestopportunityallway ‘journey’ with the bypromotingidentification decision tovisit.Itwillalsoinduceaseamless destination inpeople’s mindspriortomakinga markets. ItwillhelptoregisterIrelandasacycling marketing totheoverseasaswelldomestic cycling product. This brandmustbeusedfor

Executive Summary Executive Marketing the Product Product the the Marketing Marketing 05 Marketing the Product 05 Executive Summary 38 o Target market following; the communicationsstrategywillfocuson adheres tothe AIDA terms principlesInspecific ensure thattheentirecommunicationprocess AIDA processontheirownitisadvisableto the steps. Whilesomecommunicationsfulfil by takingtheconsumerthroughaseriesof Action). This modellooksatsellingaproduct model of AIDA (Attention,Interest,Desireand recommended arebasedaroundthemarketing The marketingcommunicationsavenues 5.3 Marketing Communications o o o o Target sub markets People andfamilygroupslookingtocyclefor ResidentsofIrelandlookingtocyclefora Peopleandfamilygroupslookingtocyclefor Peoplelookingfordedicatedcyclingbreaks

holiday. a dayorhalf-day, aspartofamulti-activity day, orhalf-day withtheirhomeasabase. a day, orhalf-day, whenholidayinginIreland. and holidays People withsomekindofinterestincycling or beingactive.

Marketing the Product Product the the Marketing Marketing Marketing the Product nomto ie Action Desire Information line Interest Advertising/Direct Mail Brochure Attention Leaflets Events Website Decision stage: Dedicated cycling andholidays breaks nomto ie Action Desire Maps &Guides Information line Interest Advertising/Direct Mail Brochure Attention Leaflets Events Website Decision stage: Cycling dayrides–residents Action Desire Maps &Guides Information line Interest Advertising/Direct Mail Brochure Attention Leaflets Events Website Decision stage: Cycling andholidaymakers dayrides–visitors Maps &Guides

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Executive Summary Executive Marketing the Product Product the the Marketing Marketing 05 Marketing the Product 05 Executive Summary o o o o incorporated: routes. Forinstancethefollowingareitemstobe about thewholeexperience,notjust out should beaplacewherepeoplecanfind holiday orvisitIrelandandcyclewhilstthere.It for someonewantingtoembarkonacycling main andonlypointofreferencecontact ‘a globalshopwindow’ andcanbethefirst and people aboutthetypesofcyclingavailable.Itis an area,beitaregionorcountry, toinform The cyclingtourismwebsitecanbringtogether Website 5.4 o Otheractivitiesavailable,egsailing, Transport, toandarounddestination, Routes,andgrading ofroutes; Accommodation-cycle friendly Bikehirelocationsanddetailsofservices Attention Interest Action Desire walking -linktoinformation; ferry overplanesandcarswherepossible; environmental section-choosingbus/train/ including luggagetransfer- accommodation; and equipmentavailable; offers somethingthattheyare givesthemanimmediatecallto providesadditionaluseful more information) action –tobook,cycle(notget looking for create desire) for moreinformationinorderto information (andacalltoaction getsaperson’s attention 40 and includedetailsoflocalfacilitiessuchasbike inspirational picturesonthecover, brandedroutes map. rides, withsimplified This shouldprovide leaflet, whichprovidesinformationonshorterday The mostbasiclevelofthehierarchyislocal Leaflets 5.5 information linesandmaps/guides. brochures, material availablesuchasleaflets, It willalsogivedetailsoftheothermarketing o o o to; It isrecommendedthatabrochurebedeveloped Brochure 5.5 o o developed to: It is recommended that a series of leaflets be website. Centres. They shouldalsobeavailableonthe for activityleafletsfromlocal Tourist Information that hasintriguedthemortheywouldhaveasked cycle. Itcouldbeachancesightingoftheleaflet that thismarketwillneedtoencouragethem hire andpubs. This maybetheonlymedium Searchfacilityforroutetype,distance,level Bookingmechanismwhetherviaemailor Market theproductonoffer toattractthe Promotethelocaldestinationand Markettheproductsonoffer toattractlocal

of cycling,numberdaysetc. relevant phonenumbersgiven; relevant audience(s)forthe product(s) leaflet andlocalfacilities attractions topersuadepeopleusethe audiences

Marketing the Product Product the the Marketing Marketing Marketing the Product o o o o Bethemaincommunicationsfordirect Bethemainhard(notelectronic) Useinspiring,motivationalpictures–and Promotethedestinationasmuch focused not justroutesandpeople,butdestination factor. destination issoldcouldbethedeciding that apersoncancyclesotheway cycling. There aremanyotherdestinations Mail/Advertising) mail/advertising (orinresponsetoDirect website (emails) information line(postalandtelephone) communications forenquiriestothe 41

product. offers ahumanaspecttothesellingofcycling seen thedirectmail/advertisingorwebsite.It first portofcallformanypeoplewhohaveeither It isthoughtthattheinformationlinewillbea visitors. experience ofanIrishwelcomeforprospective know/sell theproductandcouldbefirst thebrandbywaythatthey should reflect information line(s). The informationassistants staff trainedtothisproduct,oraseparate either partofanexistingcallcentrewithdedicated The recommendationisforaninformationline, Line Information 5.6

Executive Summary Executive Marketing the Product Product the the Marketing Marketing 05 Marketing the Product 05 Executive Summary should contain: strip maps. At approximately1:100,000 scaleit pointing tothetopofpaper, asopposedto maps shouldberegionalformatwithnorthalways Depending uponthesizeofcycleareas, andGuides 5.7 Maps o o o o information line: There are four main objectives for the To provideatasteroftheIrishWelcome To sellproductssuchasmapsandguides To closesaleswithpeoplewhohavehad To providefreeinformationtohelppeople the choice enough informationtoenablethemmake make achoice 42 parts ofroutemaps,perhapsthoughtowncentres. theareaandhavesome Guides shouldreflect o o o o o Spiral boundisagoodoption. pocket sizedorsmallenoughtobeputinabag. The sizeoftheguideshouldbequitesmall, Frontcoverpicturetoreflecttheroute–for Signage–whattolookfor Usefulinformationsuchastourist A profileoftheroute Themap

a cyclistandroute. hubs adestinationtypepictureasopposedto get moreinformation, information, cyclinginotherareas,whereto

Marketing the Product Product the the Marketing Marketing Marketing the Product o o o o o The development of Hub Map Guides will; Guide 5.8 HubMap 02 01 There are two options for a guide: Givedetailsoftheproductonoffer tohelp Bethedetailedcommunicationsvehiclefor A feelforthebrandandpromise–whatcan Bethemainhard(notelectronic) Promotethedestinationfacilitiesasmuch To producea‘coffee table’ giftorsouvenir To producearoutecompanion,andprovide get thebestexperiencefromabreak/ each hub be expected person hasbookedaholiday communications forselling(bolt-on)oncea as thecycling. holiday gift. they haveorarevisitingtheareafora general audiencebuyingforthemselvesas information. The mainmarketwouldbea destination ratherthanprovidesuseful that detailsthecultureandsells cycling theroute. basis. The mainmarketwouldbythose information thatwillhelpthemonadaily 43 5.9 BusinessSupport o o o o o o o o o It should contain: o o o Recommendations include; nevertheless animportantconsideration. communications mix,businesssupportis While notstrictlyspeakingpartofthe Detailsofsignage– what tolookoutfor Discountvoucher(s) Localattractions Tourist informationoffices Localtransport Localcafés,pubs,restaurants andshops Simplecyclemaps BikeHireandfacilities Descriptionofthedestination Holdingbusinessseminarsforlocal Repeatingthisatsetintervalsand HoldingbusinessseminarstotellSMEs

they areonboardatthestartofanyplans. authorities andtransportoperatorssothat monitoring. businesses. their can supporttheplanswhilstbenefiting what theregionalplansareandhowthey

Executive Summary Executive Marketing the Product Product the the Marketing Marketing 05 06 Delivery and Next Steps 06 Executive Summary 44 Executive Summary 06 Delivery and Next Steps

5% 5% 5% 50% 5% 30% 5%

International Fund for Ireland for Fund International Innis Eoghain Case Study Innis Eoghain Case Study FUNDING by a The Innis Eoghain project was funded cocktail of funding sources: Sources European Government: Central Environment and Heritage Service Access to the Country Side Transport: Authority Local Resurfacing roads and new build Parkland Authority Local Authority: Local Urban regeneration North West Trail Case Study North Trail West FUNDING IIIA The project secured 75% EU Interreg Agriculture funding through the Department of and Rural Development in Northern Ireland Action. The Donegal, (DARD) and Border Leitrim and Sligo county councils and Strabane, Omagh and Fermanagh district councils are providing the match funding. 45 funding solutions. anticipated impact on a wide range of government anticipated impact on a wide range of assistance priorities, there will be scope to lever what from a variety of sources over and above must is available for tourism. Interested parties innovative work together to develop creative and It will be important that every opportunity to It will be important that every opportunity collaborate on the delivery of this ambitious Given programme is explored and pursued. and the the scope of the intended interventions strengthen the local visitor economy and the strengthen the local visitor economy and means to promote regional development. for the While firmly couched within the agenda to recognise development of tourism it is important addresses a the extent to which this initiative also range of other government priorities. Approach Cycle Network is to link The purpose of the of interest so as to provide regions and places to cycle, ways to opportunities for visitors 06 Delivery Steps and Next 6.1 A Multi-Departmental / Multi-Agency to funding to take advantage of the opportunities In available for each route which will be different. addition to the above, private developers have also contributed in the past where they produce sections of route as part of planning gain. Wales and the North West to Northern Ireland and and the North West Wales There will however be a need for more Scotland. domestic funding. approach flexibility the emphasize to important is It European funding may only be an option in certain areas - for example Interreg funding through linking South coast to France or the East coast to Delivery and Next Steps 06 Executive Summary Table 1:Route Distances&Costs Route DistancesandEstimated Costsfor theIrishNational Cycle Network Cork &Kerry Total Shannon Total West Total Location South EastIreland Total North West East Coast&Midlands* Total * excludescostingsforDublinHubroutes B,C&D Total Route distancesandcostsfortheIrishNationalCycleNetworkfromCoWexfordtoDonegal Regional Summary rpsdO od40€2,429,651 490 Greenway Proposed TrafficFree OnRoad Proposed Proposed rpsdTafcFe 4€1,247,292 €5,805,615 14 1,038 TrafficFree OnRoad Proposed Proposed rpsdGreenway Proposed rpsdGreenway Proposed rpsdO od57€1,598,203 587 Greenway Proposed TrafficFree OnRoad Proposed Proposed rpsdTafcFe 3€1,257,287 €2,405,993 13 617 Greenway Proposed TrafficFree OnRoad Proposed Proposed rpsdO od72€953,414 712 OnRoad Proposed rpsdO od77€6,217,054 797 Greenway Proposed TrafficFree OnRoad Proposed Proposed rpsdTafcFe 5€1,234,126 15 TrafficFree Proposed Status Route pn OnRoad Open pn OnRoad Open pn TrafficFree Open pn Greenway Open pn OnRoad Open pn Greenway Open pn TrafficFree Open pn OnRoad Open pn Greenway Open pn nRa 171 OnRoad Open pn TrafficFree Open pn nRa 291 OnRoad Open pn Greenway TrafficFree Open Open pn TrafficFree Open pn Greenway Open pn TrafficFree Open pn Greenway Open Type of Route Length k Cost/€ /km ,6 77646Total €7,786,476 1,060 ,2 84370Total €8,463,730 1,125 9 25046Total €2,550,446 493 4 77296Total €7,722,936 644 0 24119Total €2,451,159 904 4 52018Total €5,250,158 644 8€5,539,011 48 1€1,586,878 11 0€2,227,997 30 0 €733,569 5 €263,619 3 0 0 3 0 €120,795 3 0 1 €585,723 6 4 0 0 0 €18,678 7 0 0 2 0 0 2 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 46 Longdistance (Remaining) Hub Routes Hub Routes (Remaining) Total ofLongDistance Total ofHubs Longdistance Hub Routes (Remaining) Route Category of (Remaining) Longdistance Hub Routes Hub Routes Hub Routes Longdistance (Remaining) Longdistance Longdistance (Remaining) Overall Total Cork Westport Wexford Dundalk Lisdoonvarna Clonakilty Clifden Killkenny Mullinger Ballyshannon ivra-Lmrc Open Kinvarra -Limerick Bantry Ennis Dingle Killarney Skibbereen aln ivraOpen Ballina -Kinvarra Achill Name ieik-YuhlOpen Limerick -Youghal Dungarven Sligo Athlone oga efr Open Youghal -Wexford Dublin * recsl aln pn 132 Open Greencastle -Ballina Glendalough atCatRueOpen East CoastRoute The TainTrail National Summary rpsd1 €18,283 19 Proposed rpsd3 €567,799 33 Proposed rpsd12€172,949 112 Proposed rpsd7 €54,941 73 Proposed rpsd17€705,625 147 Proposed rpsd12€1,104,007 112 Proposed rpsd17€1,845,615 117 Proposed rpsd6 €1,627,586 69 Proposed rpsd7 €2,287,257 79 Proposed Proposed rpsd4 €115,487 48 Proposed rpsd15€86,983 105 Proposed rpsd6 €32,783 65 Proposed rpsd30€3,172,864 310 Proposed rpsd4 €178,445 47 Proposed rpsd9 €469,069 92 Proposed rpsd46€2,416,675 426 Proposed rpsd41€6,949,405 431 Proposed rpsd60€1,974,353 630 Proposed rpsd6 €543,931 68 Proposed rpsd6 €775,004 69 Proposed rpsd50€4,367,454 540 Proposed rpsd8 €112,548 84 Proposed rpsd7 €267,662 72 Proposed rpsd4 €414,924 48 Proposed rpsd18€953,100 158 Proposed rpsd28€1,006,107 228 Proposed rpsd25€1,996,310 205 Proposed Status Route Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open pn 240 Open Length k ot/ yeo ot Name TypeofRoute Cost/€ /km ,6 €7,786,476 1,060 ,2 €8,463,730 1,125 ,0 €18,977,968 €15,246,939 2,905 1,515 ,7 €34,224,906 4,871 9 €2,550,446 493 4 €7,722,936 644 0 24119Greenways €2,451,159 904 4 €5,250,158 644 40 49 9 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 €7,737 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 Total Greenways Greenways Greenways Greenways Glann Forest(nearMaam'sCross) uigrRylCnlPooe 9€1,404,715 19 Proposed Mulingar RoyalCanal Galway Greenway ugra oWtrodPooe 1€1,586,878 11 Proposed Dungarvan toWaterford udl lo aprsPooe 1€823,282 11 Proposed Dundalk floodRamparts udl lo aprsOpen Dundalk floodRamparts okt asg etPooe €733,569 5 Proposed Cork toPassageWest Cork toPassageWest Mulingar RoyalCanal ugra oWtrodOpen Dungarvan toWaterford lg iesd ah rpsd3€263,619 3 Proposed Sligo -riversidepath epr oAhl oMy rpsd2 €3,459,416 27 Proposed Newport toAchill-CoMayo Greenways rpsd9€1,300,219 9 Proposed rpsd1 €779,377 12 Proposed ttslnt k Cost/€ length/km Status Route Open Open 0 0 4 3 €10,351,075 €0 €0 €0 €0 Executive Summary 06 Delivery and Next Steps Shangannagh), (S2S with Extensions to Howth and Route), (Dodder - Canal Route). (“C50” As per the discussion in section 6.3 of Chapter 6.3 of Chapter discussion in section As per the is very difficult to it Summary, 6 of this Executive the construction of costs for provide estimates particularly those that of urban cycle schemes, involve significant civil engineering input - in, for of facilitiesm alongside the example, the provision changes to junctions are coast, or where major Therefore it was considered prudent proposed. A, E and F in only for routes to provide estimates Dublin. of this study to provide It was beyond the scope estimates for the other loop routes identified here: B Route C Route D Route 47 €0 €0 €0 €0 €10,351,075 3 4 0 0 Open Open Route Status /km length Cost /€ Proposed 12 €779,377 Proposed 9 €1,300,219 Greenways Sligo - riverside path Sligo - riverside Proposed 3 €263,619 Newport to Achill - Co Mayo Proposed 27 €3,459,416 Dungarvan to Waterford Open Mulingar Royal Canal Cork to Passage West Cork to Passage West Proposed 5 €733,569 Dundalk flood Ramparts Open Dundalk flood Ramparts Proposed 11 €823,282 Dungarvan to Waterford Proposed 11 €1,586,878 Galway Greenway Mulingar Royal Canal Proposed 19 €1,404,715 Glann Forest (near Maam's Cross) Glann Forest (near Maam's Cross) Greenways Greenways Greenways Greenways Total

Dundalk Harbour. include the cost of providing a new pedestrian / cyclist include the cost of providing a new pedestrian alongside bridge over the Ballymascanlan Estuary It should be noted that the costings for Dundalk do not It should be noted that the costings for

€0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €7,737 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 9 49 40 644 €5,250,158 644 €7,722,936 904 €2,451,159 Greenways 493 €2,550,446 4,871 €34,224,906 1,5152,905 €15,246,939 €18,977,968 1,125 €8,463,730 1,060 €7,786,476 /km Cost /€ Type of Route Name Length Open 240 Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Open Route Status Proposed 158 €953,100 Proposed 228 €1,006,107 Proposed 205 €1,996,310 Proposed 48 €414,924 Proposed 72 €267,662 Proposed 84 €112,548 Proposed 69 €775,004 Proposed 540 €4,367,454 Proposed 68 €543,931 Proposed 630 €1,974,353 Proposed 431 €6,949,405 Proposed 426 €2,416,675 Proposed 92 €469,069 Proposed 47 €178,445 Proposed 310 €3,172,864 Proposed 65 €32,783 Proposed 48 €115,487 Proposed 105 €86,983 Proposed Proposed 79 €2,287,257 Proposed 147 €705,625 Proposed 69 €1,627,586 Proposed 117 €1,845,615 Proposed 112 €1,104,007 Proposed 73 €54,941 Proposed 112 €172,949 Proposed 33 €567,799 Proposed 19 €18,283 National Summary National Summary The Tain Trail East Coast Route Open Glendalough Sligo Dublin * Greencastle - Ballina Open 132 Youghal - Wexford Open Athlone Dungarven Limerick - Youghal Open Name Achill Ennis Ballina - Kinvarra Open Skibbereen Killarney Dingle Kinvarra - Limerick Open Bantry Ballyshannon Mullinger Killkenny Clifden Lisdoonvarna Clonakilty Dundalk Wexford Westport Cork Overall Total Long distance (Remaining) Hub Routes (Remaining) Long distance Long distance Hub Routes Category of Route Hub Routes Long distance (Remaining) (Remaining) (Remaining) Hub Routes Total of Hubs Total of Long Distance Hub Routes Long distance Long distance (Remaining) Hub Routes €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 €0 2 0 0 2 0 0 7 €18,678 0 0 0 4 6 €585,723 1 0 3 €120,795 0 0 0 3 3 €263,619 5 €733,569 0 11 €1,586,878 30 €2,227,997 48 €5,539,011 644 €5,250,158 Total 644 €7,722,936 Total 904 €2,451,159 Total 493 €2,550,446 Total 1,125 €8,463,730 Total 1,060 €7,786,476 Total /km Cost /€ Length Route Type of Open Open Traffic Free Greenway Open Open Traffic Free Greenway Open Open Traffic Free Greenway Open On Road 171 Open On Road 291 Open Traffic Free Open Greenway Open On Road Open Traffic Free Open On Road Open Open Traffic Free Greenway Open On Road Open Greenway Open On Road Route Status ProposedProposed On Road Traffic Free 797 €6,217,054 ProposedProposed On Road Traffic Free 712 15 €1,234,126 €953,414 Proposed Greenway Proposed Greenway ProposedProposed On Road Traffic Free 617 13 €2,405,993 €1,257,287 Proposed Greenway ProposedProposed On Road Traffic Free 587 €1,598,203 Proposed Greenway ProposedProposed On Road Traffic Free 490 €2,429,651 Proposed Greenway ProposedProposed On Road Traffic Free 1,038 14 €5,805,615 €1,247,292 Proposed Greenway Regional Summary Regional Summary from Co Wexford to Co Donegal Wexford to Co Donegal from Co Cycle Network for the Irish National and costs Route distances * excludes costings for Dublin Hub routes B, C & D Total North West Total East Coast & Midlands * Location South East Ireland Total Total Total Shannon West Total Cork & Kerry Delivery and Next Steps 06 Executive Summary o o o would comprise: This NationalCycleNetworkSteeringCommittee development ofcyclingroutesacrossthecountry. illustrated below, beestablishedtocoordinatethe Diagram showing delivery structure) We recommendthataSteeringGroup,as Steering Committee (with updated Flow 6.2.1 for Delivery Structure 6.2 representativesfromlocalareastoreport theGovernmentDepartmentsandagencies aleadorganisationtocoordinatetheproject & Promotional Activities to includeMaps Local Marketing Signage Community Liason Route Development Funding WORKING GROUPS AUTHORITY CYCLE LOCAL/REGIONAL Monitoring Marketing Funding Planning National NATIONAL of theof Irish National Cycle Network Structure for Delivery progress andproblemsonlocalroutes who canadviseandassist Co-ordination Local/Regional Cycle Network National Cycle Commmitee WORKING GROUPS Steering Network 48 o o o o o o o o o Committee Proposed National Cycle Network Steering o Cyclists’ RepresentativeOrganisation Walking CyclingIreland IrishSportsCouncil FáilteIreland IrishRail DepartmentoftheEnvironmentandLocal DepartmentofCommunity, Ruraland Departmentof Arts, Sportand Tourism Departmentof Transport Coordinatingorganisation Government Gaeltacht Affairs Formal Links Executive Summary 06 Delivery and Next Steps 49 aspects of delivery is promoted. approach is adopted, a National Standard is adhered to and a partnership approach to all is established hence the suggestion of a lead This group organisation to co-ordinate progress. will play a key role in ensuring that a consistent The important thing is that a well-facilitated group route development. We suggest that this issue be suggest that this issue route development. We addressed. groups, regional tourism development groups, through to individual consultants, provide this role. There is no national coordinating organisation for Sustrans fulfils this role. In Ireland, at local level, a Sustrans fulfils this role. In Ireland, at based variety of organisations such as community These co-ordinators are needed to pull together These co-ordinators are needed to pull with the partners and to drive the project forward the UK technical ability and determination. In Ireland and elsewhere shows the need for lead Ireland and elsewhere shows the need level. organisations, both at national and local 6.2.2 Co-ordination 6.2.2 in The delivery of current cycle networks seamless experience for visitors taking advantage seamless experience for visitors taking of longer distance routes. need for co-ordination between adjoining local need for co-ordination between adjoining a authorities and the importance of providing knowledge is vested and on whom the successful knowledge is vested implementation of key infrastructure components also recognise the of the strategy will depend. We the local authorities in this regard, in particular the the local authorities whom the specialist and local county engineer in to harness, re-focus and refresh their efforts and refresh their efforts to harness, re-focus of the strategy within their towards the delivery of recognise the key role We particular locality. partnerships at local level. This is not about This at local level. partnerships but rather working with creating new bodies groups and individuals and through existing It will also be important to establish appropriate appropriate be important to establish It will also Formal Links Formal Delivery and Next Steps 06 Executive Summary Sustrans working with a Steering Committee The project is being implemented by Enniskillen, SligoandDonegal. main townsofLifford, Strabane,Omagh, 326 kilometreslongandpassthroughthe in theNorthWest ofIreland.Itwillbesome & Omagh),Fermanagh,Leitrim,andSligo through CountiesDonegal, Tyrone (Strabane to openinsummer2007. The routepasses route presentlyunderdevelopmentanddue The NorthWest Trail isasignedcircularcycle CO-ORDINATION West TrailNorth CaseStudy 50 providing minutes, agenda and meeting notices. group annually. Sustrans services the committee meetings chaired by a councillor, elected by the The steering group meets every month with economic development. community service, road engineering and departments including, tourism, access, council officers are from a variety of different and PSNI (Road Safety), IFI and DARD. The representatives from Fáilte Ireland, NITB, Garda made up of council officers, councillors and Executive Summary 06 Delivery and Next Steps € Total 93480 77268 61828 88848 38668 167592 110464 775632 137484

20% costs of hub 129272 Coordination

Total Total Hub Total Total Town 646360 Infrastructure Infrastructure

each Cycle 2 cycle 80000 Counters counters @ €5,000

budget. This immediate intervention should be This immediate intervention budget. planned and delivered in a way that recognises and the importance of maintaining the integrity importantly, coherence of the overall network and, An indication of these the quality of the product. immediate priorities is detailed on below. removing the cyclist from the dangers of traffic. the cyclist from the removing networks of cycle routes These well signed linked to the gateways must be conveniently it easy for visitors to explore and hubs, making own pace, safe in the the destination at their associated signing, maps knowledge that the enable them to make the and information will As has been the experience most of their stay. the development of some of other destinations, in flagship Greenways will prove to be attractions themselves. to In recognition of the scale of what needs of be done we recommend a phased delivery those the network, concentrating initially on can be aspects – the category one hubs - that a realistic delivered reasonably quickly and within Bike €800

15km Stands per site 40320 1 site every 51

30 km Panel €2,700 per site 68040 1 panel every Interpretation

80000 Leaflets per hub €10,000 (average)

€500/km 378000 Signage of routes 90 45000 10000 8100 4800 10000 77900 15580 49 24500 10000 4410 2613 10000 51523 10305 186 93000 10000 16740 9920 10000 139660 27932 84 42000 10000 7560 4480 10000 74040 14808 69 34500 10000 6210 3680 10000 64390 12878 147 73500 10000 13230 7840 10000 114570 22914 112 56000 10000 10080 5973 10000 92053 18411 19 9500 10000 1710 1013 10000 32223 6445

All costs are estimates.Leaflets incorporates a map of routes. Bike stands - 2 No racks per site. Cycle counter includes reading Coordination includes facilitation and technical expertise. for first year. Total Total Clifden Ballyshannon Laragh/ Glendalough Mullingar Wexford Killarney Skibbereen Doolin Costs for Delivery CategoryCosts for of 1 Hub Towns continuous networks. Therefore it is critical that Therefore continuous networks. the development of the Irish cycling product concentrates on high quality scenic routes, Quality of the product is the key issue. We We Quality of the product is the key issue. know that satisfaction ratings from current to users are disappointing and continue high quality, decline. Our competitors offer the estimated cost of providing the all-important all-important the providing of cost estimated the areas up built the from cyclists leading greenways As countryside. the of roads minor calmer the into the 46, page on table costings the alongside noted for routes free greenways/traffic- the for costings figure. this in included not are Dublin implementing the route recommendations over the the over recommendations route the implementing long include to - study this in covered regions six encompassing and routes, loop and routes distance is - routes on-road and routes traffic-free both is €8.9M approximately figure, this Of €34.8M. The table below provides an overview of the the of overview an provides below table The proposed the implementing of costs estimated report. this in presented as Network Cycle National of cost estimated total the that seen be will It of6.3 Costs Implementation Delivery and Next Steps 06 Executive Summary sustainable transportpolicies. (tourism) promotionandthe developmentof unit sincethereisalogicallinkbetweencycle recommended thatcontactismaintainedwiththis the closingphasesofprojectanditisstrongly the Integrated Transportation UnitoftheDoT in The projectteammetwithrepresentativesfrom gain agreementonthisissue. specific signage.Initialstepshavebeentakento to securingapprovalfornewlyproposedcycle- the Departmentof Transport (DoT) withregard departments andagencies. These wouldinclude contact andliaisonwithkeygovernment Some oftheimmediatenextstepswillinclude Government Agencies 6.4.1 Government Departments and the development of the network. benefits to those most likely to be able to influence strategy it will be important to effectively promote its abroad. In order to expedite the delivery of the cycling experience for visitors from home and provide a coherent, attractive, safe and comfortable many interventions that are needed if Ireland is to This strategy provides a basis for planning the 6.4 Next Steps experience for visitors. be recognised as providing an excellent cycling full standard, so once again enabling Ireland to remainder of the Irish National Cycle Network to would also provide a stimulus for progressing the product capable of being promoted to visitors. It result of this phase of work would provide a quality maps, cycle racks and interpretation panels. The signed routes. These routes would be supported by be able to spend time cycling on local circular be developed as cycling hubs where visitors would For a budget of around €780,000 eight towns could 52 Executive Summary 06 Delivery and Next Steps Midlands East Regional Report - South - Kerry Regional Report - Cork Regional Report - Shannon The West Regional Report - Regional Report - North West Regional Report – East Coast and o o o o o o complementary reports for further details of every complementary reports for further details aspect of the strategy: It is strongly recommended that contact is recommended It is strongly from Irish Rail maintained with representatives any changes in policy with a view to facilitating of bike on rail carriages with regard to the carriage elements of proper integration and other important of bicycles and rail. Authorities Local 6.4.2 that contact is re-established It is recommended Traffic with key figures (County Managers and identifiedEngineers) within the local authorities as Towns”. Hub having “Category 1 Potential Cycling 6.5 Further Information The reader is referred to the following 53