Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has today (Wednesday) announced a new round of funding for more than a hundred projects to improve road, bus, cycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area.
The Minister has confirmed funding of €11.8 million for a wide range of projects from new transport interchanges, cycle paths, pedestrian crossings, and footpaths.
“This Government is committed to investing in public transport and encouraging more sustainable ways of travelling. The projects range in size from large-scale junction changes to small-scale pedestrian crossings, but each will make a real difference in the community,” Minister Varadkar said.
“This investment shows that real progress can be made, even in difficult times. It’s important that the Government does what it can to encourage more people to take the bus, train, Luas or bike to work, school or college and to make walking more attractive for short journeys. That's what this investment is all about. For the first time in recent history, the Government is investing more in public transport, cycle and walking routes than in new roads.”
The funding is being allocated to 110 projects under the Sustainable Transport Measures Programme 2012 by the National Transport Authority which will manage and oversee the projects to ensure that work is progressing satisfactorily.
Key projects include:
Dublin City Council
- €2 million to resurface key bus and cycle routes;
- €1 million for the next phase of upgrading for the Thomas Street/James’s Street QBC.
Kildare
- Overall funding of €2.46 million, including €1.1 million for new roadside footpaths around the county;
- €250,000 to develop a public transport hub in Naas including bus shelters, stopping areas, real time passenger information signs, and seating;
- Other projects include a number of new pedestrian crossings, and cycle parking facilities in Maynooth, Celbridge, Leixlip, Clane, Kilcock, Naas, Kilcullen, Newbridge, Kildare Town, Athy, and Monasterevin.
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown
- Overall funding of €1 million, including €600,000 to improve the junction and signalling at the junction of Upper Kilmacud Road and Blackthorn Junction, including new cycle facilities and better access for walkers and cyclists to Sandyford Luas stop;
- Other projects include design works on a new road from Leopardstown Road to Sandyford Business District; and designing a new cycle and walking link from Belfield campus to the Dart.
South Dublin County Council
- Overall funding of €1.1 million, including €200,000 for preliminary design work for a cycle route from Griffeen Way to Fonthill Road, and construction work on incomplete sections of cycle tracks on Willsbrook Road;
- €175,000 for traffic management and walking and cycling improvements in Tallaght;
- €470,000 for other cycle projects, and further funding for new pedestrian crossings.
Fingal
- €1 million to upgrade the N3 Mulhuddart interchange;
- Other projects include the construction of a range of new pedestrian and cycle crossings and footpaths throughout the area.
Meath
- Overall funding of around €1 million, including €200,000 to provide new bus stops and upgrade existing ones on the Grange Rath to Mosney route;
- Other projects include provision of park and ride facilities or laybys at bus stops at The Tankard, Garlow Cross, and Ross Cross, while new bus stops will be provided on the N3.
Wicklow
- Overall funding of €815,000, including €150,000 to design a new transport interchange at Bray Dart station and provide better facilities for pedestrians, taxis and cyclists;
- Other projects include a range of new cycle routes throughout the county.
Ends
Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport Press Office: 01 6041090
Nick Miller 086 6992080
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