The government has today (Monday November 9) announced the allocation of €63.5 million in funding for a number of greenway projects across the country.
Minister for Transport, Climate, Environment and Communications Eamon Ryan and Minister of State for international and road transport and logistics Hildegarde Naughton confirmed the allocation today.
Minister Ryan said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm that the allocation of €63.5 million to greenways for 2021 is the highest single year amount ever allocated to greenways.
“Indeed, it nearly equals the total amount originally allocated for the four years 2018-2021 (€53 million) and shows the commitment of this government to providing a step-change in the way in which we fund walking and cycling.
Which greenways will be funded?
Minister Ryan continued: “I’m pleased to announce that we will contribute a significant amount to the Great Southern Greenway in Limerick to support the work of the county council in bringing the greenway up to a modern standard.
“This will ensure that cyclists will have a quality experience all the way from Rathkeale, Co. Limerick to Listowel, Co. Kerry.
This funding will also support the refurbishment of the Longford Canal with improved infrastructure being provided along this cycleway.
“In Co. Offaly we are funding the extension of the Grand Canal Greenway from Daingean to Edenderry, meaning that by the end of next year it will be possible to cycle the greenway the whole way from Edenderry to Lough Boora, over 50km worth of cycleway,” the minister said.
The funding will also be used for the refurbishment of the Longford Canal with improved infrastructure being provided along the cycleway.
The government funds will also support the refurbishment of the disused New Ross to Waterford Railway as part of the greenway connecting New Ross to Waterford City which incorporates the Kilkenny greenway.
- Cork: Midleton-Youghal €10,000,000;
- 2020 – €8,800,000;
- Galway: Clifden- Recess €3,350,000;
- Kildare: Grand Canal Aylmer Bridge to Sallins €2,930,000;
- Kerry: Tralee Fenit €3,440,000;
- Kerry: Listowel to Limerick county boundary €4,540,000;
- Mayo: Great Western Way expansion €5,150,000;
- Offaly: Grand Canal Daingean to Lough Boora €1,660,000;
- Wexford: Waterford- New Ross €9,000,000;
- 2020 – €6,210,000;
- Wicklow: Blessington Loop €6,400,000;
- 2020 – €8,358,000;
- TII: Galway- Athlone €8,100,000;
- South Kerry Greenway €1,400,000;
- Galway: Moycullen €1,800,000;
- Offaly: Daingean to Edenderry €3,100,000;
- Limerick: refurbishment of Great Southern Greenway €2,500,000;
- Longford Canal Greenway €172,000;
Totals for all projects for 2021 is €63,542,000.
Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton said: “The allocations of €63.5 million being made today will go a long way in delivering a safe and sustainable environment for active travel in our villages, towns and cities.
We are funding the construction of a greenway bridge across the River Shannon in Athlone as part of the Galway to Dublin greenway. This investment will support even greater numbers enjoying our outdoors by cycling and walking for school, work and leisure.
“We are also supporting the roll-out of a new ‘Safe Routes to School’ initiative. This programme will seek to accelerate the delivery of improved walking and cycling infrastructure to schools; enhance sustainable access onto school grounds; and expand the amount of cycle parking available at schools.
“Underpinning this initiative, we will see almost €1 million per day spent on our walking and cycling infrastructure in the year 2021,” Minister Naughton concluded.