A new National Transport Authority (NTA) report, The Benefits of Active Travel Investment, has set out the long-term health, economic and social returns linked to spending on walking and cycling infrastructure.

According to the study, projects funded through the NTA’s Active Travel Programme are expected to deliver almost €4 in benefits for every €1 invested, amounting to over €7.7 billion nationally across three decades. It also estimates typical annual commuter savings of €620 for people walking and €3,480 for those cycling when compared with driving.

Health is identified as the single largest source of benefit, alongside road safety improvements, reduced transport costs, faster journey times, enhanced public space and boosts to local economies. The health advantages cited include reduced mortality, lower rates of illness, improved mental wellbeing, fewer days lost to absenteeism and reduced healthcare expenditure.

Local evidence echoes these findings. The Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Walking and Cycling Index 2025 estimates that cycling currently prevents 33 serious long-term health conditions each year, saves the HSE about €450,000 annually, avoids the equivalent of 7,500 GP appointments and helps prevent three premature deaths.

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The NTA notes many of these benefits grow as active travel becomes routine. In Limerick, observed use is rising: NTA Cordon Survey data show cycling trips into the city increased by 31% and pedestrian trips by 37% between 2022 and 2024. TFI Bike Share usage also expanded, with 34,554 journeys in 2025 compared with 9,414 in 2022.

Limerick City and County Council established a dedicated Active Travel Office in 2021. Since then, approximately 22 kilometres of new cycle infrastructure have been delivered across the city and county. Works have been completed at 22 schools via Safe Routes to School and broader Active Travel schemes, while around 10 kilometres of footpaths were built or upgraded in 2025 in towns, villages and communities throughout the county.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said: "As Limerick continues to grow, it is important that people have safe, convenient and connected options for getting around. The benefits of this investment extend beyond transport and economic benefit, with growing evidence that increased levels of walking and cycling can contribute to public health and wellbeing.

"Since our Active Travel team was formed in 2021, Limerick has gone from piecemeal planning to being ranked among the country’s top three local authorities for active travel. In 2025 alone, we delivered over 10km of footpaths, upgraded 134 public lights and delivered 10 fit-for-purpose pedestrian crossings, along with junction improvements, new links and traffic calming across the city and county.

"Our latest Walking and Cycling Index found that active travel prevents over 300 serious health conditions and generate €145 million in economic benefit every year. That’s a lot of people getting where they need to go under their own steam, and a lot of value being created along the way.

"The NTA report puts a figure on what we're seeing locally: every €1 invested in active travel infrastructure brings almost €4 in benefits to society. That tells you why this has become such a central part of how we plan for the future of Limerick."