Government announces 360 million euro investment in Active Travel and Greenways for 2026
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney and Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer have announced €360 million in Government funding for Active Travel and Greenways in 2026. This investment is dedicated to the development of walking and cycling projects that offer safe, sustainable and healthy transport options to communities around the country.
Funding allocated to the NTA for walking and cycling infrastructure
The Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme in the National Transport Authority (NTA) was allocated €290 million for the development of walking and cycling infrastructure in villages, towns and cities. This funding will enable almost 1,000 projects of varying scale to progress in 2026. Among these are the Broadmeadow Estuary Greenway in Dublin; Lehenaghmore Road Improvement Scheme in Cork; the Mary Immaculate College to City Centre Active Travel Scheme in Limerick; and the Tramore Ring Road Active Travel Scheme in Waterford
Additional funding for behavioural change and training
An additional €8 million is available to fund smaller-scale behavioural change and training programmes. These include CycleRight training in primary schools and the NTA’s Smarter Travel Workplaces and Campuses Programme.
Funding for Greenways and national cycling projects
The remaining €62 million has been allocated to deliver Greenway projects across Ireland, including the South Kerry Greenway and the extension of the Ulster Canal Greenway in Monaghan. The allocation will also enable delivery of active travel infrastructure on national roads, and progress on the National Cycle Network, which aims to deliver a cohesive network between our towns and cities. Significant projects include cycleway facilities along the N60 between Castlebar to Breaffy, and the Blacksod Bay Loop Scheme, both in Mayo.
Expected delivery of 200 km of walking and cycling routes
It is expected that 200 km of walking and cycling infrastructure will be delivered in 2026, in line with the target set out in the Climate Action Plan. This investment programme is a key enabler in reducing our transport emissions.
Minister O’Brien on national investment in active travel
Minister O’Brien said:
“The allocation of €360 million in 2026 for active travel and greenway projects demonstrates the Government’s commitment to expanding sustainable transport options and delivering on the provision of safe and accessible walking and cycling infrastructure in both urban and rural areas. The €290 million invested in the NTA’s Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme will assist with the development of key active travel networks in our villages, towns and cities, making walking and cycling a viable option for more of our population. The investment of €62 million in our Greenways network, meanwhile, will help deliver key projects all over the country and is another step towards the development of a National Cycle Network.”
Minister Canney on road safety and Vision Zero
Minister Canney said:
“The continued expansion of our walking and cycling network through Greenway and active travel infrastructure is crucial in offering safe travel options to cyclists and pedestrians. It also contributes to our progress towards Vision Zero, our road safety strategy which sets out to achieve zero road fatalities or serious injuries by 2050. 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.”
Minister Buttimer on benefits for rural communities
Minister Buttimer said:
“I particularly welcome today’s funding announcement for Greenway projects which have been a valued addition to rural Ireland in recent years through showcasing our beautiful landscape, bringing visitors to overlooked areas and helping small local businesses to thrive. Greenways also provide an outdoor recreational facility that all members of the community can enjoy. I look forward to the delivery of new and expanded routes in the coming years.”
NTA Chief Executive Anne Shaw on national impact of funding
Statement from NTA Chief Executive Anne Shaw:
“The funding commitment announced today will allow the NTA to support every local authority across the country as they continue to deliver safer connections for pedestrians and cyclists, improved public spaces to enjoy, and an overall environment where more and more of us can choose active and sustainable travel for our everyday journeys.
Thanks to the Department of Transport, this continuation of a high level of funding for active travel will have a real impact for communities in our cities, towns and villages. We look forward to seeing what our local authorities can achieve with this funding in 2026 and in the years to come.”
TII Chief Executive Lorcan O’Connor on partnership and project delivery
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) Chief Executive Lorcan O’Connor said:
“The 2026 Greenway funding highlights the commitment of the Department of Transport and the Government to deliver active travel options throughout the country. TII, along with our Local Authority partners commit to working with other key stakeholders toward the delivery of these important Greenway Projects.”