Significant investment by the NTA in active travel measures throughout Waterford.
Waterford Greens welcome today’s announcement of significant investment by the NTA in active travel measures throughout the county.
Waterford Greens welcome today’s announcement of significant investment by the NTA in active travel measures throughout the county. The funding, totalling €13.9 million, will facilitate the development of a range of infrastructure projects for walking and cycling across Waterford City and County.
Reacting to the news, Marc Ó Cathasaigh, Green Party TD for Waterford 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.’
The measures announced today include €2.12m for an Active Travel Programme for Dungarvan and Lismore (to include Abbeyside and Ballinroad) as well as €1.6m for the Comeragh area.
In response to today’s announcement, Lynne Glasscoe, the Green Party Local Area representative in Lismore stated: ‘More people are on the move in their immediate area and this is a very welcome funding to support Active Travel in Lismore and West Waterford. Loop walks on country roads have become very popular and at any one time walkers, runners and cyclists are to be seen exercising on country roads adjoining small towns and villages. ‘Walkers on Road’ signs for popular loops alerting oncoming traffic will be a very welcome addition for Active Travel activities.’
Críostóir Ó Faoláin, the Green Party Local Area representative for Dungarvan added: ‘Dungarvan is perfect to be a cycle friendly town. The size of the town is ideal, and the lack of steep hills is a bonus. The only thing that has been missing is safe infrastructure. This announcement will ensure that the Council can make real progress with fixing our footpaths, protecting cyclists from traffic, and making walking and cycling a safe and enjoyable alternative to using the car for short journeys. This substantial investment in the west of the county will make sure that Dungarvan and West Waterford do not lose out on this opportunity to make our communities safer and healthier through a greater enjoyment of walking and cycling for everyday travel.’
