The Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, alongside Ministers of State Seán Canney and Jerry Buttimer, has announced a major €360 million funding package dedicated to Active Travel and Greenway projects for 2026. This substantial investment is designed to expand the national network of safe, healthy, and sustainable transport alternatives.

The funding is divided into three primary streams:

€290 Million for Urban and Local Infrastructure: Administered by the National Transport Authority (NTA), this allocation will support approximately 1,000 projects in cities, towns, and villages. Notable schemes include the Broadmeadow Estuary Greenway in Dublin, the Lehenaghmore Road Improvement Scheme in Cork, Limerick’s Mary Immaculate College to City Centre project, and the Tramore Ring Road scheme in Waterford.

€62 Million for Greenways and National Routes: This portion targets the expansion of the National Cycle Network and significant Greenway developments, such as the South Kerry Greenway and the Ulster Canal Greenway extension in Monaghan. It also funds safety improvements on national roads, including Mayo’s Blacksod Bay Loop and the N60 cycleway between Castlebar and Breaffy.

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€8 Million for Education and Behavioural Change: Funds are earmarked for training initiatives like CycleRight in primary schools and the Smarter Travel Workplaces and Campuses Programme.

The Government anticipates that this investment will result in the delivery of 200km of new walking and cycling paths in 2026, aligning with national Climate Action Plan targets for emission reductions.

Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, stated: “The allocation of €360 million in 2026 for active travel and greenway projects demonstrates the Government’s commitment to expanding sustainable transport options and delivering on the provision of safe and accessible walking and cycling infrastructure in both urban and rural areas. The €290 million invested in the NTA’s Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme will assist with the development of key active travel networks in our villages, towns and cities, making walking and cycling a viable option for more of our population. The investment of €62 million in our Greenways network, meanwhile, will help deliver key projects all over the country and is another step towards the development of a National Cycle Network.”

Minister of State Seán Canney highlighted the link between the funding and the 'Vision Zero' road safety strategy, noting the NTA’s plan to assess high-risk locations to prevent collisions involving vulnerable road users. Minister of State Jerry Buttimer emphasised the economic and recreational benefits for rural Ireland, noting how Greenways support local businesses by attracting visitors to scenic areas.

Anne Shaw, Chief Executive of the NTA, welcomed the continued support, noting that it allows local authorities to "continue to deliver safer connections for pedestrians and cyclists." Lorcan O’Connor, CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), reaffirmed the commitment of TII and local authorities to collaborate on the delivery of these essential projects.