Wicklow County Council has welcomed the announcement by the Department of Transport, of €8,655,000 in funding, which has been granted to 30 Active Travel projects across Wicklow. Within that figure, funds have also been allocated specifically to the bus stop enhancement programme.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has distributed these funds as part of a broader €283 million investment dedicated to new and existing walking and cycling infrastructure Active Travel projects throughout Ireland this year.
Projects to receive funding in Wicklow include the Bray Dart Interchange scheme, Wicklow Port Access Road Link, the Wicklow and Greystones Pathfinder projects, as well as funding for eight schools in the county that are part of the Safe Routes to Schools programme. Additional walking and cycling infrastructure projects will be developed across all five municipalities in Wicklow.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Paul O’Brien, expressed his satisfaction with the strides made by the Active Travel Team in enhancing walking and cycling infrastructure across the county. Cllr O’Brien said, “It’s fantastic to see the progress achieved in promoting alternative transport options beyond the car. This continued support from the Department of Transport and the NTA for 2025 funding will significantly bolster our efforts. I’m particularly encouraged to see so many residents already embracing this change, choosing to walk, cycle, or wheel their way to school, work, or local amenities.”
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, highlighted the importance of ongoing investment in Active Travel initiatives, stating “I warmly welcome this crucial funding from the NTA, which will enable our Active Travel team to advance the delivery of key projects throughout the County. The Bray DART Interchange project, which has been allocated significant funding, is a major initiative for Wicklow County Council, with completion expected by March/April 2025. This project will provide a high-quality public realm interchange, seamlessly linking walking, cycling, taxi, bus, and rail services at Bray Train Station. We look forward to the positive impact this scheme will have on enhancing pedestrian safety and accessibility in this busy and vital area.”
Joe Lane, Director of Services for Transportation and Infrastructure Delivery at Wicklow County Council acknowledged the vital role of the Department of Transport and the NTA in supporting these initiatives, saying “We are grateful for the continued investment in Wicklow, which is instrumental in progressing 30 schemes across the Bray, Arklow, Wicklow, Baltinglass, and Greystones Municipal Districts. Notable, 8 schools in the county will benefit from the Safe Routes to School Programme. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our children is a top priority, and this funding will help create safer, less congested environments outside schools, benefiting not just the students and their parents, but also the wider community.”
For further information on the complete list of schemes receiving Active Travel funding, please visit https://www.wicklow.ie/Active-Travel