Funding of €360 million has been announced today (Monday, January 19) for active travel and greenways in 2026.

The government investment is dedicated to the development of walking and cycling projects that offer safe, sustainable and healthy transport options to communities around the country.

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.

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.

Greenways

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.

Significant projects include cycleway facilities along the N60 between Castlebar to Breaffy, and the Blacksod Bay Loop Scheme, both in Mayo.

It is expected that 200km of walking and cycling infrastructure will be delivered in 2026, in line with the target set out in the Climate Action Plan.

Minister for Transport Darragh 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 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.”

NTA chief executive Anne Shaw said: “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."

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) chief executive Lorcan O’Connor added: “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.”