€400k for Offaly cycle route

Offaly County Council has been granted €400,000 in funding to provide almost 20km of dedicated cycle lane between Tullamore and Moate. The project was one of 16 announced yesterday (Thursday) that will share a total pot of just over €7m to fund cycling routes nationwide. The new cycle lane will cover 16.8km and will run along the former N80 national road, with future potential to extend the route to Athlone along a disused rail line. The initiative was announced by Public Transport Minister Alan Kelly, who said it was both to create a more cycle-friendly culture across the country and try get as many people as possible out of their cars and onto bicycles. Fine Gael Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy welcomed the news, describing it as great news for cycling and keep-fit enthusiasts in the Midlands.