€13.9 million investment by the NTA in active travel measures in Waterford City and County.
Green Party TD for Waterford, Marc Ó Cathasaigh, has warmly welcomed today’s announcement of significant investment by the NTA in active travel measures in Waterford City and County.
The funding, totalling €13.9 million, will facilitate the development of a range of infrastructure projects for walking and cycling across the county.
Reacting to the news, Dep. 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. We know that to reduce our transport emissions and eliminate congestion that we need to see significant modal shift from driving to walking and cycling, particularly for short journeys.’
‘This change has to begin with infrastructure – 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.’
