A €17 million budget has been announced for the ongoing delivery of major active travel schemes in Waterford city and county.

The Department of Transport, through the National Transport Authority (NTA), allocated €11.3 million for the sustainable transport bridge project in Waterford City and an additional €5.7 million Active Travel budget.

There are already plans in motion for how the allocation will be spent.

Construction of a major Active Travel project in Tramore is set to begin by summer. This will involve the development of a 3km pedestrian and cycle improvement route along the R675 Tramore Ring Road, spanning from Rivertown Roundabout to Newtown Roundabout.

The scheme will feature a dedicated two-way cycle track separated from vehicular traffic, new signal-controlled pedestrian crossings, upgraded junctions and improvements to existing footpaths.

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Furthermore, Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiatives are planned for Kilmacthomas Primary School, Scoil Mhuire in Butlerstown and St. John of God National School on the Passage Road in Waterford City.

The SRTS programme aims to encourage walking, cycling or wheeling to school by improving access to school grounds and creating safe spaces for students in front of the schools.

Welcoming the NTA's allocation, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Jason Murphy, said: "This investment will copper fasten Waterford's commitment to building, maintaining and improving our walking, cycling and wheeling infrastructure. 

"It also encourages a positive sea change in attitudes towards active travel, which has infinite benefits to our communities, our environment and our health."

The Mayor added: "Waterford's ambitious goal of attaining Net Zero or carbon neutrality by 2040, through reducing major emissions and developing sustainability through collaboration, innovation and behavioural change will be exponentially aided by the development of Active Travel projects."

In addition, €500,000 has been allocated for the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme for Waterford, and €80,000 for Local Transport Plans in Dungarvan / Ballinroad, and Tramore.