Cycling and climate change

Sir, – I must echo Micheál Martin’s comments that the admission by the Taoiseach that Ireland will dramatically miss its 2020 emissions targets represents a record of extraordinary failure.

It is mind-boggling that such simple measures as putting in a proper cycle network for Dublin were not done years ago.

A proper cycle network would afford many people the opportunity of ditching the horrendous daily car commute that they have to endure – with the resulting carbon dioxide emissions savings.

It would cost peanuts in comparison to the fortunes that are spent on our roads.

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It would dramatically improve the health and happiness of the citizenry, and last but not least it would boost the city’s economy as cycling is the fastest and most cost-effective way to traverse a city.

Putting a cycle network in place is not difficult or impossible to do, as a quick investigation of Copenhagen will show.

So, the question is, if other governments can implement such win-win climate friendly solutions, why can’t ours? – Yours, etc,

JOHN ANDREWS,

Donnybrook,

Dublin 4.