€360m investment to expand walking cycling and greenways nationwide in 2026
Major funding boost to deliver safer local routes, school programmes and new greenways across urban and rural Ireland
20 January 2026 | 📧 editor@ipropertyradio.com
The Government has announced €360 million in capital funding for Active Travel and Greenway projects in 2026, aimed at expanding walking and cycling infrastructure and making everyday journeys safer and more sustainable for people across Ireland.
The funding was confirmed by the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, alongside Ministers of State Seán Canney and Jerry Buttimer. It will support almost 1,000 projects of varying scale, ranging from new footpaths and cycle lanes in towns and cities to major greenway routes in rural areas.
Of the total allocation, €290 million has been assigned to the National Transport Authority’s Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme. This will fund walking and cycling schemes delivered by local authorities in villages, towns and cities. Projects progressing in 2026 include the Broadmeadow Estuary Greenway in Dublin, the Lehenaghmore Road Improvement Scheme in Cork, the Mary Immaculate College to City Centre route in Limerick, and the Tramore Ring Road Active Travel Scheme in Waterford.
A further €8 million is earmarked for behavioural change and training initiatives, including CycleRight training in primary schools and the Smarter Travel Workplaces and Campuses Programme, which encourages walking and cycling for daily commutes.
The remaining €62 million will support the delivery of Greenway projects and active travel infrastructure on national roads. Key schemes include the South Kerry Greenway, the extension of the Ulster Canal Greenway in Monaghan, and new cycleway facilities along the N60 between Castlebar and Breaffy, as well as the Blacksod Bay Loop in Mayo. The funding will also advance the development of the National Cycle Network, intended to connect towns and cities through a coherent, safe cycling system.
The Department of Transport expects that approximately 200 kilometres of new walking and cycling infrastructure will be delivered in 2026, in line with targets set out in the Climate Action Plan. The programme is positioned as a key measure in reducing transport emissions while also supporting public health and road safety.
Announcing the investment, Minister O’Brien said the funding demonstrates the Government’s commitment to providing safe and accessible walking and cycling options in both urban and rural areas, making active travel a realistic choice for more people. Minister Seán Canney highlighted the role of the programme in supporting Vision Zero, the national road safety strategy aimed at eliminating fatalities and serious injuries by 2050. Minister Jerry Buttimer said greenways have become an important asset for rural communities, supporting tourism, recreation and local businesses.
The National Transport Authority said the funding will enable every local authority to continue improving pedestrian and cycling connections and public spaces, while Transport Infrastructure Ireland confirmed it will work with councils and other stakeholders to deliver the greenway programme.
Allocations have been made to all local authorities, with the largest shares going to Dublin City Council (€35.95 million), Cork City Council (€27.05 million), Fingal County Council (€24 million), Limerick City and County Council (€19.36 million) and South Dublin County Council (€19.25 million). Smaller counties will also receive targeted funding to deliver local routes and greenway links.
Full project-level details and local authority breakdowns are available from the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
