Over €9.96 million in funding to go towards walking and cycling infrastructure throughout Kildare

A total of €9,965,000 has been announced for walking and cycling infrastructure this year throughout Kildare.

Kildare-based Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has today welcomed the announcement by the National Transport Authority (NTA), who have allocated funds to Ireland’s local authorities with a view to spending €290 million on walking and cycling infrastructure in 2023.

The investment will fund approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects, with the aim of contributing to the development of almost 1,000km of new and improved walking and cycling infrastructure across the country by 2025. 

This includes the development of segregated cycle lanes and widened footpaths, new walking and cycling bridges, and new pedestrian crossings. 

Commenting on the news, the Fianna Fáil Senator said: "I am pleased to see such a sizeable allocation to Kildare under todays announcement.

"In a post-Covid world, we all have a renewed respect and love for our ourdoor amenities."

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"I am especially happy with the confirmation by my colleague Minister Jack Chambers that part of this funding will be allocated to the Safe Routes to School Programme.

She continued: "€20 million was recently announced for Round 2 of the programme which will see over 37,000 students across Ireland benefit from safer infrastructure and encourage them to cycle, walk and wheel to school."

"This announcement will see a huge €2,675,000 allocated to the Kilcullen Road Active Travel Scheme, along with many other projects around the County benefitting also."

The Senator further said that the Active Travel funding will ensure that the Safe Routes to School programme will continue to provide for safer cycling and walking facilities for many more schools across the country.

In addition, she said that €63 million will be made available to the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for the development of Greenways.

Her colleague, James Lawless TD, also welcomed the latest announcement.

Mr Lawless said: "I am thrilled to see such a substantial investment in active travel in Kildare.

"This funding will make our communities safer and more accessible for walkers and cyclists, and I am confident that these projects will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of our residents".

"The funding will also support school-based initiatives such as SRTS (Safe Routes to School) programs."

He added: "This investment shows a strong commitment to promoting sustainable and active travel options in Kildare, and I eagerly anticipate the results of these projects in the coming months and years.

"Fianna Fáil is dedicated to making active travel a practical option for people, and this funding is a significant step towards that goal."