Committee gets on its bike with cycling inquiry

The Northern Ireland Assembly's Committee for Regional Development today announced plans for evidence gathering sessions in relation to its Inquiry into the Benefits of Cycling to the Economy.

Speaking ahead of the Committee's study visit to the Great Western Greenway in Co. Mayo, the Chair to the Committee, Mr Jimmy Spratt MLA, said: "With Northern Ireland currently in the grip of Giro d'Italia fever, the Committee for Regional Development this week begins an intensive programme of evidence gathering for its Inquiry into the Benefits of Cycling to the Economy.

"This programme begins with a visit to the Great Western Greenway in Co. Mayo, the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland which welcomes over 200,000 users a year.

Mr Spratt concluded: "The Committee will receive briefings from 15 organisations and statutory bodies over the next seven weeks. Members are very enthusiastic at exploring the many benefits that cycling can provide to the economy."