Almost 250 jobs are being created in local authorities across the Republic to promote cycling and walking in each council catchment area.
Those appointed to the new positions – 248 in total –
will be responsible for creating facilities for cycling and walking in their
respective counties.
In the programme for Government compiled by the coalition
partners – Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party – some €1.8 million was
already committed to walking and cycling over the five-year term of the government.
The move to now create the 248 jobs means each local
authority will have trained personnel to manage the roll-out of the new cycling
and walking infrastructure and other facilities.
While 218 new posts were being created to ensure the
active travel plans are developed, an additional 30 Regional Cycling Design
Offices were also being created.
Advertisement
All of the new staff being recruited to develop walking
and cycling activity will work across a range of areas including design and
construction oversight as well as communication and community liaison.
Related News
The value of effective communication and community
liaison has been underscored by recent opposition to plans in parts of south
Dublin to the roll out new cycling infrastructure.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD (Greens) said people
would be encouraged to switch to active travel and help tackle climate change
if quality cycling and walking facilities were developed.
“Really good design is what is needed to connect
communities and make walking and cycling attractive, safe and accessible to
everyone,” he said.
“I am delighted to confirm that we will fund dedicated
resources in all local authorities. This is a game-changer in terms of
delivering high-quality infrastructure across the country in both rural and
urban areas.”
He added the National Transport Authority and local
authorities had been working together to ensure the plans and personnel were in
place to make the active travel promises a reality.
“This is a game-changer in terms of delivering
high-quality infrastructure across the country in both rural and urban areas,”
he said.
Topics
