24 Jan Over €5m for acceleration in Active Travel project in Mayo
THE National Transport Authority (NTA) has confirmed that funding of €5,027,724 has been approved to Mayo County Council for the provision of sustainable transport projects throughout County Mayo.
The funding has been welcomed by Deputy Alan Dillon who confirmed the following allocations for:
• Castlebar MD -€935k
• Ballina MD – €602k
• Claremorris / Swinford MD – €593k
• Ballyhaunis GAA Pitch Travel Extension – €152k
• Urban Greenway Swinford – €80k
• Westport / Belmullet MD – €545k
• Mayo County Council Active Travel Office/ Staff – €271k
• Transport/Mobility Plans – €246k
• Pedestrian Crossings / Lines & Junctions / Cycling Parking – €642k
• Outdoor Infrastructure – €279k
Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon said: “This funding will make walking and cycling more attractive, safe and accessible to everyone and it will make a real difference in our communities across County Mayo.”
Deputy Dillon “This funding will support the rollout of high-quality active travel infrastructure in rural towns and villages across Mayo,” he commented: “This safe and accessible infrastructure will ensure that our local communities are better connected, and that healthier forms of travel continue to become a more attractive choice for the people of Mayo.”
Minister Eamon Ryan commented. “It is great to see our investment in active travel starting to bear fruit. I want us to now accelerate delivery of sustainable transport modes as we come out of the majority of covid restrictions. It is vital that we do not allow a return to gridlock as we come out of the pandemic. We need to use the switch to remote working as an opportunity to reallocate road space to create a safer and more efficient transport system.”
“Local authorities and the NTA have been provided with an unprecedented increase in funding for additional staff for active travel. I will be bringing forward further amendments to the Road Traffic and Roads bill in the coming weeks, which will also enable them progress experimental traffic management schemes and other measures which fast track active travel infrastructure. We need to be quick, to help reduce our climate emissions but also to use this unique moment in time to create a more attractive and safer local environment.”