The Green Party today criticised the decision by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to withdraw €20 million euro in funding allocated for the Liffey Cycleway.The decision by the NTA comes after 5 years of work on the project by Dublin City Council (DCC) and its consultants.Speaking today, Green Party Transport Spokesperson and Chair of DCC Transport Committee, described the decision by the NTA as inappropriate.“At this stage we need more public participation in the planning process, rather than the withdrawal of funding. During the debate about the car-free plaza for College Green we had a highly successful public consultation evening in the Round Room of the Mansion House. We need this level of engagement within the communities that will be affected by the Liffey Cycleway.He said: “More people travel down the quays by bike than by car during rush hour. We need to provide them with a segregated and safe space to travel. Cyclist deaths are up this year – we need more investment, as soon as possible. We’re five years into this process – it is unacceptable to go back to square one. Minister Ross must fund this project, and instruct the NTA to increase rather than cut off funding.”ENDSIssued 27Sep17, updated 01Oct17