€24.4 million has been allocated to 44 walking and cycling projects in Limerick from the Active Travel Investment Scheme by Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and the National Transport Authority.
A significant share of the funding is directed at the Limerick Metropolitan Area with €2.5 million going to the provision of new footpaths and €2 million for repairs to cycle tracks, paths and Greenways in the city.
€1.66 million will go towards the provision of a cycle route from Dooradoyle to the City Centre via Hyde Road with €1.05 million for pedestrian and cycling facilities on the Mill Road in Corbally. A further €1 million has been directed to the Childers Road Multi-Modal Corridor.
A total of €3.8 million was allocated to minor footpath schemes in the Cappamore/Kilmallock; Newcastle West and Adare/Rathkeale Municipal Districts. €1 million will go connections to the Limerick Greenway.
€2 million will go to Limerick City and County Council for staff costs incurred by the Active Travel Office and a further €1 million to the council for the rapid deployment of active travel measures.
Limerick Green Party TD Brian Leddin said the latest round of funding delivered on a key commitment from the Green Party to deliver safe walking and cycling facilities across Limerick.
“Projects such as an upgrade of the Mill Road, new cycling facilities on Hyde Road as part of the Dooradoyle to city centre cycle route, and many other places throughout the city and county will make our roads safer and provide a healthier alternative for people of all abilities,” he added.
Councillor Saša Novak said “Limerick City and County Council have been provided with an unprecedented increase in funding for additional staff for active travel. We need to be quick, to help reduce our climate emissions but also to use this unique moment in time to create a more attractive and safer local environment.”
Councillor Seán Hartigan added: “One of the great successes of the increased funding for active travel has been the delivery of Castletroy Urban Greenway. It has greatly improved accessibility between schools, workplaces, shops and residential areas.
“We are planning many more projects like this,” she added.
