Funding of millions confirmed for 18 Carlow transport projects

A total of 18 individual transport programmes in Carlow will benefit from funding of €2.7 million, it has been confirmed

Malcolm Noonan, TD for Carlow Kilkenny, said the €2.7 million investment from the NTA is set to transform the experience of walking, wheeling or cycling around Carlow, making it a safer and more appealing option for more people.

Welcoming the announcement from the NTA that it will fund 18 individual transport projects in Carlow this year, Minister Noonan said: “I’m thrilled to see such a significant investment this year in measures that will make it safer, easier and more enjoyable for people to get around Carlow town and county on foot, on bike, scooting or wheeling.

“In this allocation we’re seeing funding for Safe Routes to School for six Carlow schools, to make it easier for kids to walk, cycle or scoot to school, which gives them a great start to their day and wonderful sense of independence.”

 “The combined impact of the other pedestrian and cycle schemes will make it safer and more enjoyable for people to just leave the car at home and cycle into town or walk to the local shops. And as more of us start to make those small choices, we’ll be spending less time stuck in traffic, we’ll be breathing cleaner air, and our streets will be generally quieter, safer and more accessible.”

Included in the overall allocation is over €300,000 for staffing costs associated with rolling out an improved walking and cycling network and €500,000 for a Dublin Road pedestrian and cycle scheme.

Minister Noonan continued: “I’m especially pleased to see €72,000 allocated to the River Burren Walking and Cycling Track, which will have great amenity value to the local community, and €100,000 for a footpath scheme for Borris. It’s important to note that these projects won’t just encourage a switch to more active modes of travel, they will also improve our public realm and the accessibility of our local towns and services.”

Green Party local area representative for Bagnelstown Liam O’Brien, said: “This level of investment in footpaths, lighting, and cycling routes, all geared towards helping people make the shift to walking and cycling some of their journeys, will be absolutely transformative for Carlow. Spending on cycle lanes and footpaths has increased more than six-fold since the Green Party entered government. That’s the sort of change voters asked for and we are delivering on our promise”.