€240 million for 468 Irish cycling, walking projects including greenways

Waterford Greenway
The Waterford Greenway is a stunner and has led the way for greenways as the project all county councils look to for example. But the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about a much deeper shift towards cycling and walking. And now funds are being committed to back new facilities to meet the demand for better walking and cycling facilities (Photos from Waterford Greenway)
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The National Transport Authority (NTA) has awarded €240 million to local authorities across the country for cycling and walking facilities to be installed and constructed this year.

In total, some 468 sustainable transport projects have
been funded, with the cash allocated to the councils who will responsible for
carrying out the works.

While all the cycling projects are too many to mention, some of the highlights include:

  • €7.2 million: Dodder Greenway (Sections 3 to 6) - South Dublin County Council
  • €2.5 million: Bilberry to City Centre Cycle Route – Waterford City and County Council
  • €3.2 million: Greenway - Phase1 (Mahon to Marina) – Cork City Council
  • €1 million: Castletroy Urban Greenway – Limerick County Council
  • €6 million: Clontarf to City Centre Cycle Scheme (C2CC - Talbot St - Alfie Byrne Road)
  • €5.1 million: Royal Canal Greenway - Kildare County Council
  • €1.825 million: Royal Canal Cycle Scheme Phibsborough to Ashtown – Dublin City Council             
  • €3.1 million: Dunkettle to Carrigtohill - Cork County Council
  • €2 million: Grand Canal South - On Road Cycle Improvement Scheme – Dublin City Council           
  • €1.2 million: Strand Road Cycle Route - Wicklow County Council
  • €3.25 million: Royal Canal Cycle Scheme (Phase 3) - Dublin City Council
  • €1.25 million: Liffey Cycle Route - Dublin City Council

The full list of projects - with all of the cycling projects included among them - is available by following this link.

The allocation of these projects – including funding for
projects already underway as well as new projects – is €130 million higher than
last year.

The projects include the reallocation of overall road
space which will include segregated cycling lanes and widened footpaths,
cyclist parking, raised pedestrian crossings and reducing road width at
crossing points as well as other improvements.

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Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD said the increase in
funding “marks a huge step forward in providing green sustainable mobility
options” nationwide.

“During COVID we’ve reconnected with our local areas and
can all see why and where improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure
are needed,” he said.

“The projects that the NTA are funding will make a real
difference to commuters and leisure seekers alike.

“Improving infrastructure for cycling and walking will
make our cities, towns and villages more accessible and attractive for
everyone. That’s good news for communities, and good news for the economy.”

Anne Graham, chief executive of the NTA, said it was
clear the number of people now moving around by active modes of transport,
including cycling and walking, was increasing.

“Walking and cycling represent a growing form of travel
particularly in light of Covid-19,” she said of the projects being funded to
match the shift in transport habits.

“Funding will be delivered across a wide variety of
regions, bringing the option of cycling or walking to localities both inside
and outside the city centres.”

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