14 Cavan projects get rural funding allocation
Cavan is to receive an allocation of €2,310,000 for projects promoting active travel in rural areas. The funding, allocated by the Department of Transport, facilitates an extensive programme of footpath repairs by Cavan county Council as well as the implementation of safety measures at a number of location.
The National Transport Authority announced €72.8 million in funding for active travel in rural areas this morning.
The money will be spread among 19 local authorities. It's in addition to €240m announced in February for Dublin, surrounding areas and regional cities. It is the first ever active travel investment programme for rural Ireland.
The National Transport Authority said it had originally earmarked €50m for the scheme but it increased the funding to more than €70m because of the volume of projects submitted by local authorities.
Footpath works in Ballyconnell, Butlersbridge, Cavan Town, Ballinagh, Killnaleck, Bailieborough, Kingscourt and Cootehill will receive €765,000 of the allocation. The Safe Schools programme will receive €100,000, with other beneficiaries including a light segregation cycle scheme (€250,000) and a low cost junction tightening/pedestrian crossing scheme (€200,00).
Nationally the three biggest projects are the Ardmore Road Footpath and Cycleway in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, the Bridge Street one-way system in Callan, Co Kilkenny and St Dominick's Bridge in Drogheda, Co Louth.
Galway County Council is the local authority which secured the largest amount of funding today at €6.2m followed by Clare County Council at €6m, Kerry County Council €5.6m and Donegal County Council €5.3m. Monaghan County Council will receive €3,985,620.
Speaking at today's announcement Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said: “Today's allocation marks another significant step forward in providing green sustainable transport options to those outside of the large urban centres.”
Speaking on the announcement Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan, Monaghan and North Meath, Brendan Smith said: “I welcome the allocation of €2,310,000 Million to Cavan County Council and €3,985,620 to Monaghan County Council to develop high quality walking and cycling facilities. This funding, allocated by the Minister for Transport, will also enable an extensive programme of footpath repairs and also the implementation of safety measures at a number of locations.”