Waterford is to receive 'a bonanza' of €13,886,500 in funding from the National Transport Authority to support sustainable transport projects.
The money will improve road infrastructure and allow for more cycle paths and footpaths, as part of a €240 million allocation to councils nationwide.
23 sustainable transport projects in total in Waterford will benefit. Some of the largest allocations include €2.5m for the extension of the Greenway from Bilberry to the city centre, almost €4 million for infrastructure supporting the north quays project, including the new transport bridge (€1.7m), and around 4 million for active travel programmes in the Dungarvan/Lismore areas (€2.12m) and Comeragh areas (€1.62m).
Of the 23 projects in Waterford, 15 attracting funding of over €5.74m, are entirely new. The remainder are existing projects for which ongoing funding totalling over €8.15m is being provided to Waterford City Council and County Council.
Welcoming the news, Waterford Minister of State Mary Butler said:
“This is very positive news for Waterford. Among the major projects scheduled for construction this year nationwide as part of this €240 million national allocation is €2,500,000 for the Bilberry to City Centre route in Waterford which will see further continuation and progress of the Waterford greenway project which has been a resounding success. I am also delighted that the Comeragh Area Active Travel Programme, which includes Portlaw & Kilmacthomas will receive €1,620,000."
Reacting to the news, Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh stated that this is part fulfilment of Programme for Government commitments to invest €1.8 bn in Active Travel over the lifetime of the Government:
"We’re seeing a sea-change in how we plan our transport systems for a low-carbon future. ..if we want people to walk or cycle, we have to make it safe, comfortable and inviting to do so. All the research shows that this comes with benefits – reduced fuel costs, improved air quality, better health outcomes and increased independence for our children.
"Waterford is well placed to lead this change, and I’ve made this case directly to Minister Ryan (Minister for Transport). Our city is compact, both Dungarvan and Tramore are good-sized towns with an established outdoor lifestyle and in the Waterford Greenway we have seen our county gain the reputation of a leader in cycling provision.’
‘This funding follows on the announcement of the creation of 248 jobs in active travel across the country, with Waterford Council already advertising to fill the new positions.
"I am particularly pleased to see a focus on the Dunmore Rd. corridor, with new projects listed for a walking and cycling route from Island Lane to the city centre and for the Dunmore Rd. itself. We also see a strong focus on developing Active Travel Plans in Dungarvan and Tramore, with €2.5m allocated for that purpose in tandem with a Greenway link to Tramore.’
"Recent transport surveys on the Williamstown Rd. show how far we have to go, with only 3 of 1649 of the traffic movements recorded being made by bike. But our Greenway experience proves the adage ‘if you build it, they will come’ – the key step is providing the safe, high-quality infrastructure."
Anne Graham CEO of the NTA said:
“The announcement today states clearly that the number of people who are choosing to get around by active travel modes is growing. Much of the funding announced today represents new projects for both pedestrians and cyclists which will result in easier and safer travel.
“Walking and cycling represent a growing form of travel particularly in light of Covid-19. Funding will be delivered across a wide variety of regions, bringing the option of cycling or walking to localities both inside and outside the city centres.
“We will continue to work with our partners in the local authorities to ensure the projects announced today become a reality as soon as possible.”
