Walking and Cycling Fund announced for Towns and Villages in Laois and Offaly

A fund of €50million has been made available to local authorities for investment in walking and cycling projects. The aim of this funding is to support the development of high-quality cycling and walking infrastructure.

Local authorities are being asked to identify convenient and direct routes for active travel modes. Funded projects should be accessible, age-friendly and maximise comfort to people of all ages and abilities.

The fund will be administered for the Department of Transport by the National Transport Authority.

Among the kinds of project that will be considered are:

Development of active travel network strategies

Provision of new / widened footpaths or segregated cycle tracks;

Reconstruction / renewal of defective footpaths or cycle tracks;

Improved crossing facilities for pedestrians/cyclists including raised surfaces, zebra crossings, provision of lighting and signalised crossings;

Provision of cycle parking

Dishing of footpaths at junctions, raised pedestrian crossings, and reducing road width at crossing points

Closing roads to vehicles, except for access only;

Permeability measures to support improved access within and between local communities;

Setting appropriate speed limits in accordance with the Guidelines for setting and managing speed limits in Ireland and/or introducing a “Slow Zone”;

Pedestrian / cycle bridge rehabilitation works;

Design work in respect of the provision of a future pedestrian / cycle bridge.