Over €4m in funding for active travel measures in Offaly
Over €4 million is to be spent on a range of active travel projects across Offaly under the latest round of funding announced by the Department of Transport.
Among the projects to be funded are Phase 1 of the Tullamore Cycle Network, which has been allocated €300,000; the Harbour and Grand Canal Link in Edenderry (€100,000) and the Cox's Bridge R443-2 project on the Clara Road in Tullamore.(€375,000).
The funding announced for Offaly today (Monday) consists of €3m from the National Transport Authority with the remainder consisting of €860,000 from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for the funding of greenway projects across Offaly, and €500,000 for a Bus Stop Enhancement Programme throughout the county.
€350,000 has been allocated for a permeability Link Road Scheme on Collins Lane in Tullamore while Edenderry is to receive €380,000 in funding for the provision of three new pedestrian crossings.
Other areas in Offaly to receive active travel funding including Banagher, Rhode, Mucklagh, Shinrone, Daingean and Ferbane, with the latter due to receive €10,000 for a permeability link from the town of Ferbane to the Grand Canal Greenway.
€160,000 has been allocated to Rath Village for active travel elements, including new footpaths, while two new pedestrian crossings on the Sragh Road have been allocated €80,000.
€290,000 has been allocated to Offaly County Council to fund Active Travel Staff Costs in the area of engineering and administration.
Meanwhile, Transport Infrastructure Ireland allocations for Offaly to fund greenway and national roads active travel projects include €850,000 for The Grand Canal Greenway from Daingean to Edenderry and €10,000 for the Shannon Harbour to Banagher section of the same greenway.
The funding has been welcomed by Offaly RD's John Clendennen and Tony McCormack. Deputy Clenndennen said the funding reflects “the growing importance” of sustained investment in active travel infrastructure for Offaly, and added that it will deliver “real, practical improvements on the ground including safer roads, better pedestrian crossings, enhanced cycle networks and improved public transport infrastructure for communities right across the county.”
Deputy McCormack also welcomed the funding and pledged to continue working to ensure Offaly receives “strong and sustained investment across all transport programmes.”