Significant funding for some Local Active Travel projects
€290m in funding to local authorities across Ireland has been announced, to support the rollout of walking and cycling infrastructure in 2024, with a number of projects locally set to benefit.
The Active Travel Investment Programme for 2024, announced on Wednesday, will fund approximately 800 new and existing Active Travel projects. In Lismore, the Active Travel Pathfinder Project at Lismore Park will receive €300,000 , while in nearby Tallow, a pedestrian crossing will be funded to the tune of €56,000. Local Transport Plans for Dungarvan and Tramore will also benefit, with an allocation of €100,000. In total, over €25.2m is being made available this year towards the delivery of approximately 30 Active Travel schemes in County Waterford.
CORK
Over €29.1m has been made available to Cork City Council itowards the delivery of approximately 44 Active Travel projects in the city and €19m has been made available to Cork County Council towards the delivery of approximately 34 Active Travel schemes across the rest of the county.
Under Cork City Council’s remit, the Glanmire cycle and pedestrian improvements project will receive €200,000 in funding, while the Glanmire to City Cycle route (Phase 1 - Village to Dunkettle roundabout) has been earmarked to receive €2 million, with phase 2 of the project from Dunkettle to the city allocated €400k.
Under Cork City Council’s remit, the Glanmire cycle and pedestrian improvements project will receive €200,000 in funding, while the Glanmire to City Cycle route (Phase 1 - Village to Dunkettle roundabout) has been earmarked to receive €2 million, with phase 2 of the project from Dunkettle to the city allocated €400k.
Several schools will receive specific funding, with Glanmire Community College (SRTS - R1) allocated €367,000. Scoil Naomh Iosaf, Riverstown (SRTS - R1) will receive €407,000.
€1.2 million will go towards the Kilcully & Upper Glanmire Pedestrian Improvement Scheme.
While under Cork County Council’s remit, local projects to receive funding include €600,000 for the Ballinacurra - Midleton Pedestrian and Cycle Route (Phase 1 Ballyanne woods car park to Broderick St); Carrigtwohill to Midleton - Phase 1 (Active Travel Pathfinder) €2.39M, with phase 2 allocated €150,000. Ballinacurra to Midleton (Phase 2-5) will receive €2.78M.
St Colman's College (SRTS - R2) has been allocated €10,000, with Loreto Secondary School, Fermoy (SRTS - R2) allocated a similar figure. Midleton CBS Primary School (SRTS - R1) has been allocated €30k.
OTHER PROJECTS
€21 million has been allocated across Limerick, while the Ardfinnan Bridge project in County Tipperary has been allocated €150,000. €4,499,000 in total has been allocated across Tipperary.
This latest allocation means 2024 will be the year that the Government’s total investment for active travel infrastructure since 2020 will smash the €1bn mark. This investment has seen more than 600km of cycling, walking and wheeling infrastructure delivered since 2020 under the NTA Active Travel Programme.