Louth allocated €4 million for Active Travel schemes

€4m is being made available in 2024 towards the delivery of Active Travel schemes in Louth, it was confirmed today by National Transport Authority (NTA) Deputy CEO Hugh Creegan, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD and Minister of State Jack Chambers TD.

The Active Travel projects receiving funding in Louth are:

• Active Travel Pathfinder Dundalk: R132 inner Relief Rd €250,000
• Dundalk: Inner relief road to Riverside walk Dublin Road R215 €150,000
• Ard Easmuinn Rd to Train Station/Friary School & Dundalk Bus Station to Rail Station €150,000
• Drogheda and Dundalk Transport Plans €450,000
• Pedestrian Crossings at R132 Inner Relief Rd at Tain Bridge to Racecourse Road Junction €165,000
• Mill St, Dundalk (from the Inner Relief Road junction to Castle Road junction) €145,000
• Hill St Bridge (Marshes Lower) to Train Station €235,000
• Xerox to Greengates €160,000
• Active Travel Office - Staff Costs €350,000
• Ardee Improvement accessibility €40,000
• Safe Routes To School (SRTS) (R1) - Saint Brigid's and Saint Patrick's School €150,000
• SRTS (R1) - Scoil Aonghusa €150,000
• Drogheda improvement accessibility €50,000
• Dundalk Improvement accessibility €50,000
• SRTS (R1) - RehabCare Mill Street Dundalk €150,000
• SRTS (R1) – St Louis Secondary School Dundalk €480,000
• SRTS (R2) Design €125,000
• Drogheda: R132, Bridge of Peace to Train Station (incorporating Marsh Road) €200,000
• Drogheda: Twenties Lane & R166 Termonfeckin Rd, design €100,000
• Drogheda: R168 Collon rd, Hill of Rath roundabout and Rosehall roundabout €100,000
• Active Travel Pathfinder Drogheda: Rathmullan Road from Marely's Lane. €150,000
• Drogheda Dublin and North roads, design €100,000
• Moneymore, Drogheda Active Travel elements €100,000

This latest allocation means 2024 will be the year that the Government’s total investment for active travel infrastructure since 2020 will breathe €1bn mark. This investment has seen more than 600km of cycling, walking and wheeling infrastructure delivered since 2020 under the NTA Active Travel Programme. 

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.

"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.” 

Hugh Creegan, Deputy CEO of the National Transport Authority said: “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.”  

Welcoming the news of the funding allocation, Louth TD Fergus O'Dowd said: “It is essential that we really get to grips with our active travel requirements in order to develop and build sustainable communities. The development of improved walking and cycleway infrastructure is a practical and effective way of reducing the number of vehicles on our roads." 

The Fine Gael TD added: “By prioritising pedestrian and cycling infrastructure we create safer and more accessible communities for all members of society, regardless of age or ability.

“We must create an environment where parents feel confident to let their children walk or cycle to and from school and I’m delighted to see a number of schools locally will see significant funding for their Safe Route to School plans.”

The news was also welcomed by Senator Erin McGreehan, who said, "I am thrilled to see such a substantial investment in active travel across Louth. 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.