Fingal County Council has approved a €767m three-year Capital Programme which sets out significant investment on projects across the County, with a strong emphasis on the delivery of housing, active travel measures and greenway infrastructure over its lifetime.
The three-year rolling Programme 2021-2023 identifies 233 individual projects across all seven council divisions with an estimated spend of €767.12m, an increase of 24% on the previous plan.
The Council’s commitment to delivering housing and meeting Government targets, having delivered over 6,151 social housing solutions between 2015-2019, will continue with €334m set aside over the next three years. Over €116m has been earmarked for housing in 2021 with €218m due to be spent over the following two years.
Some €146.69m has been allocated towards active travel and ‘greenway infrastructure’ which will allow work continue on delivering key projects such as the Broadmeadow Greenway, the Sutton to Malahide Greenway, Fingal Coastal Way, Royal Canal Urban Greenway, Harry Reynolds Road Cycleway and the Damastown-Clonsilla Cycle Route Design.
Mayor of Fingal Cllr David Healy said: “This is a comprehensive investment programme from Fingal County Council which has a strong emphasis on housing and development of greenway infrastructure across the County.
“Our commitment to Climate Change Action is reinforced with significant funding set aside for active travel infrastructure to enable walking and cycling throughout the County, as well as completing the conversion of public lighting to LED and the provision of electric vehicle charging points. I am also delighted to see continued vital investment in our wonderful parks, which are playing a key role for our health and well-being as we deal with the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said: “This is an ambitious investment programme across all areas of the County. Despite the challenges that have been brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, Fingal County Council is committed to fulfilling or mission to be a great place to live, work, visit and do business.
“Given the growing nature of our County, there are always competing demands and I firmly believe the Capital Programme sets out a strategic and balanced approach to delivering infrastructure to meet the needs of all our communities and stakeholders.”
Significant investment in road transportation projects will also continue with €8m set aside for the Snugborough Road Interchange in both 2021 and 2022 as part of an overall capital expenditure of €17m on the project. Investment in developing recreational hubs including River Valley Park all-weather pitch and Porterstown Park has also been set aside.
Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Department will account for €73.95m over the period 2021-2023 with €19m being spent on projects in 2020 such as Our Balbriggan and development works at Newbridge House, Malahide Castle and Ardgillan Castle.
The Operations Department has been allocated €40m over the course of the 2021-23 programme which will see continued investment in the LED Public Lighting Improvement Programme, playground upgrades, electric charging points and public toilet refurbishment at various locations, as well as development of parklands and recreational areas across the County.
