New €4.6m package to transform local walking and cycling routes
A major investment allocation aimed at improving road safety and at enhancing the greenways network in Westmeath has been announced.
The allocation, which totals €4.6m, includes allocations of €3m under the Active Travel scheme and funding of €0.5m for the development of bus stops, while the greenways allocation amounts to €1.1m.
The fund is part of a national allocation of €360m announced yesterday, Monday, “for the development of walking and cycling projects that offer safe, sustainable and healthy transport options to communities around the country”.
The largest single allocation from the Active Travel grants fund is of €650,000 for the completion of construction of the pedestrian and cycling crossing at Saunder’s Bridge, plus additional works to provide pedestrian crossings adjacent to the bridge.
Welcoming the allocation, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, said the project represents the completion of a major programme of active travel investment along the Ardmore Road. “Saunders Bridge is a hugely important project for Mullingar,” Minister Burke said.
“This funding will complete significant active travel works that have taken place on the Ardmore Road over the last number of years, particularly following the development of Holy Family National School. It will greatly improve safety and connectivity for children, families and commuters.”
The funding package also includes €155,000 to progress the Dublin Road Active Travel Scheme in Mullingar to detailed design stage, alongside further allocations to advance active travel projects on Harbour Street (€55,000), Mount Street Lower (€5,000), Grange South to the Orbital C-Link Active Travel Scheme (€60,000), junction improvements at the National Science Park (€40,000) and pedestrian crossing and junction tightening works at the Delvin Road (€100,000).
There is also €35,000 for completion of the planning submission/approval stage of the Active Travel scheme for Sunday’s Well, Lynn Road, Auburn Road and Millmount Road.
The sum of €50,000 has been allocated for an upgrade of the pedestrian crossing at Harbour Road, Kilbeggan and €25,000 for the upgrade of the pedestrian crossing at Dublin Road, Kilbeggan.
A number of school locations are to benefit under the Safer Routes to School (SRTS) scheme, and there are allocations of €5,000 apiece for St Joseph’s Secondary School and Scoil Naofa at Rochfortbridge; €25,000 for Clonmellon NS, €125,000 for the SRTS construction works at Columba College, Killucan and €125,000 for SRTS at St Joseph’s NS, Killucan. There are also allocations of €5,000 apiece for SRTS at Coralstown NS, St Michael’s NS, Castletown Geoghegan, and St Patrick’s NS, Ballinagore.
In addition, €500,000 has been allocated for a countywide Bus Stop Enhancement Programme, which will see upgrades to bus stops at agreed locations across Westmeath, including improved hardstanding areas and bus stop infrastructure.
Minister Robert Troy said the allocation demonstrates government’s commitment to expanding sustainable transport options and delivering on the provision of safe and accessible walking and cycling infrastructure in urban and rural areas. “I particularly welcome the NTA’s planned investment this year in assessing locations of interest in relation to road safety, with a view to increasing collision prevention measures in such locations to protect our more vulnerable road users.”