More than €10m allocated to Meath for active travel upgrades
The overall €10.85m package for Meath County Council forms part of a €360m nationwide investment in active travel and greenway projects announced by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien.
Fine Gael Senator Linda Nelson Murray said the funding will help make Meath a “healthier and more sustainable place to live”.
“This funding will go a long way to help make our communities safer for cyclists and pedestrians,” she said.
“It will allow for the delivery of active travel infrastructure on national roads and help progress the National Cycle Network to deliver safer travel between our towns and cities.”
“Greenways have been a vital addition for communities across Ireland, through supporting local businesses, encouraging tourism, and encouraging people in the community to get active.”
A total of €4.4m was approved for the walking route linking Circular Road with St Martha’s Bridge, which is currently under construction.
The second-largest allocation, €1.03m, was granted for phase two of the Trim Road scheme between the Solstice and Athlumney.
A further €100,000 was provided for phase three, running from Beechmount to Balreask Manor, while €95,000 was assigned to phase four from Balreask Manor to Borallion Junction.
Meanwhile, €1m was allocated for new cycle and pedestrian facilities along Eastham Road in Bettystown, and €550,000 has been approved to progress the Newtown, Trim active travel scheme.
Fine Gael councillor Sharon Tolan welcomed the €1m Eastham Road allocation, describing it as a “major investment and boost for safety, accessibility and quality of life in East Meath”.
She said: “This €1m investment is fantastic news for East Meath. Eastham Road is a busy and important route, and this scheme will make a real difference for pedestrians, cyclists, families and commuters who use it every day. It is about creating safer streets and giving people real, sustainable travel options.”
Cllr Tolan said the project aligns with national and local efforts to reduce congestion and promote healthier communities.
“Investment like this shows a clear commitment to active travel and to building communities that are safer, healthier and more connected. I am particularly pleased to see funding directed towards infrastructure that benefits people of all ages, from schoolchildren to older residents.”
“I am also delighted that this project includes vital safety features and public lighting at Bettystown Cross, which I have been highlighting as a dangerous spot for the past number of years.”
Fianna Fáil councillor Stephen McKee also welcomed the new investment for East Meath.
He said he was “particularly pleased” to see Duleek National School receive €10,000 under the scheme to “make the route out to the school from the village safer.”
“Improved walking and cycling routes will make it easier and safer for people to get around, support healthier lifestyles, and contribute to a cleaner environment. These upgrades will benefit families, students, commuters, and older residents alike,” Cllr McKee added.
Other notable allocations across the county include €260,000 for the Dunboyne Cycle Network, €182,000 for the Flowerhill Pedestrian and Cycle Scheme in Navan, and €150,000 for the Poolboy Bridge to Blackwater Park link.
The Navan 2030 Contract 5, which covers upgrades to laneways, Fairgreen and Church Hill, was granted €250,000.
Design funding was also provided, including €100,000 for the proposed cycle network linking Proudstown Road to Trim Road and €200,000 for the section from Fairgreen to Johnstown.
A further €50,000 each has been allocated to the Academy Street Pedestrian Enhancement Scheme and the Trimgate Street Pedestrianisation project.
The package also includes €800,000 in staff costs for the council’s Active Travel Team.