The new NCN is composed of 85 corridors, integrating existing and planned greenways and other cycling infrastructure such as the Eurovelo routes, as well as an extensive new network of safe cycle routes along existing roads.
It will also link to destinations such as transport hubs, centres of education, employment, leisure and tourist destinations, making it easier and safer for people throughout the country to choose cycling as part of their daily activities.
The National Cycle Network plan can be viewed HERE.
The aim is that 80% of households and nearly 90% of jobs will be located within 5 km of the network.
Minister of Transport, Eamon Ryan launched the plan at the opening of the latest extension to the Grand Canal Greenway - an 11 km stretch from Alymers Bridge to Sallins, Co. Kildare.
When completed, this Greenway will be a continuous, almost entirely segregated route along the entirety of the 130km canal stretching from Dublin to the River Shannon.
Minister Ryan said: “This national cycling network will act as a core spine, connecting towns, cities and destinations across the country with safe, segregated cycling infrastructure wherever feasible.
“I think this will really help to encourage cycling confidence and in turn the number of trips taken by both walking and cycling amongst locals, leisure users, and tourists alike.”
The Grand Canal Greenway forms part of the over 400 km of existing greenways or other cycling infrastructure which will be included as key corridors in the new NCN.
In addition, over 900 km of additional planned and proposed greenways will be included in the network.
The remaining 2,200 km of the NCN will be provided along existing road infrastructure, ensuring that cycling infrastructure will be, for the most part, segregated from traffic.
The NCN also represents a key initiative in helping to achieve a 51% reduction in transport emissions by 2030, as mandated in the Climate Action Plan.
