Monaghan secures over €7 Million in Active Travel and Greenway funding

Monaghan County Council has welcomed the announcement of significant funding allocations from the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to support the delivery of Active Travel infrastructure, school zone improvements, and major Greenway projects across the county in 2026.

For the year ahead, Monaghan will receive €3.08 million through the NTA Active Travel Investment Programme, along with a further €4.3 million in Greenway and National Roads Active Travel funding from TII, bringing the combined total to over €7.38 million.

These allocations will allow Monaghan County Council to progress a wide range of walking, cycling, accessibility, and mobility projects aimed at improving safety, sustainability, and connectivity for communities across the county.

Funding from the NTA will support the advancement of multiple schemes, including:

• Monaghan Town – Ballyalbany and Horseshoe Bridge Active Travel Measures (€1.5 million combined)Enhancements to pedestrian and cycle facilities, bridge approaches, and safer routes into Monaghan town.
• Carrickmacross – Castleblaney Road and Oriel Road Active Travel Schemes (€150,000 total)Improved footpaths, cycling links, and safer junctions.
• School Zones under the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) ProgrammeIncluding St. Louis GNS & Infant School, Beech Hill College, St. Mary’s Boys NS, Killeevan NS, and Convent Junior School.
• Connectivity and Public Realm SchemesSuch as the Woodview to Glen Road link, Ballybay Town Park Active Travel Link, and Tullyhirm Lane.
• Bus Stop Enhancement Programme (€500,000)Upgrades to rural and urban bus stops, including hardstands, accessibility features and new shelters (with installation supported by NTA’s national contractor).
• Ongoing Staff Support for Monaghan’s Active Travel Team (€275,000).

Welcoming the allocation, Robert Burns, Chief Executive, Monaghan County Council, said: “This is a major investment in Monaghan’s transport network and a strong vote of confidence in the county’s commitment to Active Travel.

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"These allocations will enable us to deliver safer streets, better-connected towns and villages, and world-class walking and cycling routes such as the Ulster Canal Greenway. We look forward to progressing these transformative projects in partnership with the NTA and TII.”

Monaghan County Council said that all projects will continue to be delivered in accordance with national Project Approval Guidelines, ensuring it added, high-quality design, accessibility, and value for money and Infrastructure guidelines

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has confirmed substantial support for:

• Ulster Canal Greenway – Monaghan to the NI Border (€3 million)Continued advancement of this flagship cross-border Greenway, strengthening regional connectivity and tourism potential.
• Ulster Canal Greenway – Smithborough to Monaghan (€100,000)Funding to progress design and planning for further extensions.
• Ulster Canal Greenway – Smithborough to Clones (€50,000).
• National Road Active Travel SchemesIncluding Active Travel improvements along the N2, such as cyclepath development between key Monaghan town junctions (€1 million combined).
• Local Authority Engineering Support Allocation (€150,000).

Monaghan County Council’s added that the 2026 funding package supports aims to:

• Provide safer, more attractive walking and cycling routes
• Improve connection between residential areas, schools, workplaces, and town centres
• Reduce carbon emissions and encourage more sustainable travel choices
• Enhance accessibility for all road users, including people with disabilities
• Strengthen tourism and local economies through strategic Greenway development