Carlow towns and villages set for €3 million boost in Active Travel and Greenways funding

Carlow is set to benefit from a major investment in walking and cycling infrastructure after it was confirmed that €3 million has been allocated to the county as part of a nationwide €360 million funding package for Active Travel and Greenways in 2026.

The funding was announced by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien alongside Ministers of State Seán Canney and Jerry Buttimer, with the investment aimed at delivering safer, healthier and more sustainable transport options across towns, villages and rural communities.

Welcoming the announcement, Leas Ceann Comhairle and Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow-Kilkenny John McGuinness described the investment as “fantastic news” for local communities.

“This is fantastic news for our towns, villages and cities,” Deputy McGuinness said. “The scale of this €360 million investment demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to active travel, climate action and improved quality of life.

Walking and cycling infrastructure not only supports healthier lifestyles but also strengthens local economies and enhances community connectivity,” he added.

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Carlow County Council will receive €3,000,000 in total, with funding spread across a wide range of projects designed to improve safety, accessibility and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the county.

The largest allocation, €1.2 million, has been awarded to the Active Travel Carlow to SETU Pedestrian and Cycle Scheme Phase 2, which will deliver a 350-metre section of improved walking and cycling facilities along the R448 Kilkenny Road from SETU’s Carlow campus to the Granby Row junction.

A further €400,000 has been allocated to the Church Street Pedestrian and Cycle Scheme in Graiguecullen, while €325,000 will support Active Travel staff costs within Carlow County Council.

Other projects receiving funding include €310,000 for pedestrian and cycle infrastructure at Queen of the Universe school in Muine Bheag, €250,000 for the Hillbrook Estate Pedestrian and Cycle Scheme in Tullow as part of the Tullow Orbital Project, and €200,000 each for school-focused schemes at Presentation De La Salle College in Bagenalstown and St Brigid’s National School in Grange, Tullow.

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Additional smaller allocations include €75,000 for the Dublin Road Pedestrian and Cycle Scheme in Carlow, €20,000 for Presentation College, and €20,000 for St Joseph’s National School in Carlow.

Deputy McGuinness said the projects would deliver tangible benefits on the ground.

“These projects will make a real difference, improving safety, accessibility and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, while encouraging more people to choose active travel for everyday journeys.”

Nationally, €290 million of the funding has been allocated to the National Transport Authority’s Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme, supporting almost 1,000 projects in 2026. A further €62 million has been set aside for Greenway developments, with €8 million supporting training and behavioural change initiatives.

It is expected that around 200 kilometres of new walking and cycling infrastructure will be delivered nationwide next year, in line with Climate Action Plan targets.