The National Transport Authority (NTA) has allocated total funding of €4.575 million to Cork County Council to progress four cycle route projects in East Cork under this year’s Sustainable Transport Measures Grants, according to Fine Gael TD for Cork East Constituency, David Stanton.

The NTA funding is part of an increased €240 million national package to support the development of high-quality facilities for cyclists and walkers by providing upgrades to existing cycle schemes and outdoor spaces and improvements to road infrastructure such as segregated cycling lanes, the widening of footpaths and increased pedestrian crossings.

Four cycle route projects have been approved for grant funding under the 2021 allocation:

Project – Funding Amount

  • Dunkettle to Carrigtwohill Cycle Route – €3.1 million
  • Ballinacurra to Midleton Cycle Route – €1.325 million
  • Carrigtwohill to Midleton Cycle Route – €100,000
  • Cobh Ferry to Train Station Cycle Route – €50,000

Total – €4.575 million

Speaking after confirmation of the allocations, David Stanton said: “The NTA’s latest Sustainable Transport Measures allocations have proven to be enormously successful for projects in East Cork with considerable funding granted to develop important local cycle routes.

“The Dunkettle to Carrigtwohill cycle route has been granted one of the largest funding allocations under the scheme with €3.1 million designated for the progression of the route. Such a commitment to develop this infrastructure and the associated routes in Midleton and Ballincurra is very positive news for commuters and leisure seekers alike. The funding of a new cycle route linking the Cobh ferry to the train station will also be of enormous benefit to the wider Cobh community and one which I am certain will be welcomed locally.

“The NTA will oversee and support these local projects in conjunction with Cork County Council and ensure that their optimal use be people of all ages and abilities. Funding will also be granted by the NTA to support infrastructure for the Safe to Schools Programme, the Active Travel Towns and Villages allocation and for Covid measures under the scheme.

“I believe that the onset of the pandemic and the associated restrictions may have given many of us a newfound appreciation of the importance of health and wellbeing and the part that outdoor recreation can play. The availability of such cycle lanes to both cyclists and walkers will only help to strengthen local recreational options in the future while also increasing connectivity between Cork city and the wider East Cork area and further benefitting daily commuters and local business development and tourism”, said Deputy Stanton.