The funding will be spent in 19 counties across Ireland.
The National Transport Authority and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan have announced funding of €72.8m for 340 sustainable transport projects in 19 local authorities.
The funding is in addition to the multi-annual active travel investment programme announced on 11 February.
The €72.8m announced for rural counties on Monday is more than the entire 2019 funding for national walking and cycling programme.
€50 million had originally been earmarked for the scheme by the NTA, but this was increased due to strong demand for funding from the local authorities.
Projects on the scheme include the reallocation of road space including segregated cycling lanes and widened footpaths. Other projects will include the provision for cyclist parking, raised pedestrian crossings and the reduction of road width at pedestrian crossing points.
"Today’s allocation marks another significant step forward in providing green sustainable transport options to those outside of the large urban centres," Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said.
"Developing high quality walking and cycling facilities will encourage more people to switch to active travel and will contribute to tackling climate change. Connecting communities and making walking and cycling attractive, safe and accessible to everyone is what this funding will help to accomplish.
“The projects being funded today will make a real difference to rural communities across the country and this is only the beginning. I look forward to seeing these projects progress over the coming year and to developing high quality walking and cycling networks over the course of this government.”
Some of the projects announced today include:
- Ardmore Road Footpath and Cycleway, Mullingar - €2 million
- Bridge Street Callan, One Way System - €1.1 million
- St. Dominick's Bridge, Drogheda - €1.2 million
- Tullamore Cycle Network Phase 1 - €500,000
- Coleville Road Footpath Improvement Scheme - €310,000
- Upgrade of Monaghan Town Greenway - €250,000
- Athleague Cycle Lane - €200,000
- IT Sligo to Hyde Bridge Walking/Cycling scheme - €100,000
“Today’s allocation provides more funding to rural areas than ever before for active travel," Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA said.
She added: "It also represents a very significant opportunity for our partner local authorities to develop high-quality, safe walking and cycling infrastructure in rural towns and villages."
