€23m Secured For 121 Sustainable Transport Projects In Greater Dublin Area

Funding of €23 million has been secured for sustainable transport projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, announced the funding, which is being provided by the National Transport Authority under the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme for 2016.

The projects, which include improvements to bus, cycle and pedestrian routes and revisions to traffic management systems are designed to encourage greater use of sustainable and public transport options, reduce congestion and facilitate economic activity in the GDA.

The total funding being allocated in 2016 is €23.21 million. This will be distributed between 121 projects within the Greater Dublin Area, including Kildare, Meath and Wicklow County Councils. Provision is also being made for projects at a number of third level campuses across the GDA that will encourage students to take the bus or to cycle to and from college.

Minister Donohoe said: "As economic activity continues to grow it is important that we encourage greater use of sustainable public transport options. The objectives of the sustainable transport grant scheme announced today are to increase the number of people using public transport and to increase walking and cycling, in particular for local trips to work, school, retail and leisure activities within the Greater Dublin Area. I am confident that as the approved projects are delivered they will further improve the attractiveness of sustainable and public transport options and help alleviate traffic congestion in identified areas."

(MH/CD)