The Minister for Transport in Ireland Eamon Ryan TD and Minister of State Jack Chambers TD joined National Transport Authority (NTA) Deputy CEO Hugh Creegan to announce €290m in funding to local authorities across Ireland to support the rollout of walking and cycling infrastructure in 2024.

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.

The Active Travel Investment Programme for 2024 will fund approximately 800 new and existing Active Travel projects.

Some major projects that have been completed in 2023 include the Salmon Weir Bridge in Galway City, the Hyde Road Scheme in Limerick City, the MacCurtain Street Public Transport Improvement Scheme in Cork City, the Ardmore Road Scheme in Mullingar Town, Co Westmeath, and an extension of the Coastal Mobility Route in Dun Laoghaire.

Among the major projects receiving funding in 2024 are the Fairview to Amiens Street Cycle Route in Dublin, the Marina Promenade Pedestrian and Cycle Facilities in Cork, the Father Russell Road Cycle Scheme in Limerick, the Waterford Sustainable Transport Bridge in Waterford, the Ballaghaderreen Town Development in Co Roscommon, and the One-Way Active Travel scheme in Donegal Town.

The Active Travel Pathfinder Projects will see significant progression throughout 2024, with most going to planning or for those already with planning permission, beginning construction.  Examples include:

• The Knocklyon to Tallaght Scheme in Dublin 24,
• The Beechlawn/Clonard Avenue Scheme in Wexford,
• The Newtown Road Phase 1 and Roxborough Road Scheme in Wexford Town.
• Longford Town (two schemes)
• Westmeath (two in Athlone and two in Mullingar).

Speaking at the announcement, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said: “A key commitment in the Programme for Government and something that has been a cornerstone of our National Transport strategy over the past few years has been the dedication to making walking, cycling and wheeling safer and much more accessible throughout the country. It’s great that this year we will hit the €1bn investment mark. We are seeing the impact of this continued and substantial investment in our towns, villages and cities, where we are delivering large and small scale projects that are transforming where we live, making them much more attractive, safer and healthier. Many of the most attractive cities and towns in the world are the ones that prioritise active travel and now many more locations here in Ireland can join this list of great places to live and visit.”

Minister Chambers said: “I am delighted to announce that funding of €20 million has been allocated to the Safe Routes to School Programme, providing safer cycling and walking facilities for many schools across the country. So far around 50 projects have been completed under Round 1 and 2 of the Programme and the associated health and wellbeing benefits for children and parents are already being felt in schools in towns and villages all over the country. I am looking forward to seeing more and more infrastructure delivered at schools to encourage children and parents to choose to walk or cycle for their daily commutes, as well as the huge range of other active travel projects being funded as part of today’s announcement.”

Hugh Creegan, Deputy CEO of the National Transport Authority said: “2024 will be a milestone year for active travel in Ireland. Over the course of this year, total investment by the NTA in walking and cycling infrastructure since 2020 will break the €1bn barrier.

“Building on the progress of recent years, the €290m being made available this year will ensure the delivery of cycle lanes and footpaths as well as pedestrian and cycling bridges across the country. All of these active travel projects will make it easier and safer than ever before for people to cycle, walk or wheel within and beyond their local area.

“The NTA will work alongside local authorities to help deliver the projects which have been given funding and identify additional opportunities across the year that can help encourage people to choose sustainable transport modes.”