Funding for an off-road cycling and walking route, linking Passage West to Rochestown, has been welcomed by Cork's county mayor.

Councillor Derry Canty said the €932,000 scheme will deliver a high-quality cycling connection serving the town of Passage West with a direct cycle link to the city centre and Mahon.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey sanctioned the project along with €150,000 for a 1,600m off-road cycle track linking Kilmurray with the Schoolhouse Road adjacent to Limerick city.

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Minister Dempsey said: "I am determined to make funding available for good sustainable travel projects such as these right around the country.

"I plan to announce more funding for other quality sustainable transport projects nationwide in the near future.

"By continuing our investment in high quality public transport and cycling and walking infrastructure we can make real progress in moving Ireland from our culture of high car dependency."

The Passage West to Rochestown proposed route will be along a disused rail line that is already in the ownership of the local authority.

It has seven different access points and is in an area where cycling and walking for both leisure and commuting will be possible.

(PR/KMcA)