Offaly secure substantial allocation as part of new Transport and Active Travel Funding

Offaly has been allocated a total of €3,860,000 in funding under the National Transport Authority’s Active Travel and Greenway Programme for 2026, supporting a comprehensive range of projects across the county.

The allocations, which will be delivered through Offaly County Council, will cover improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure, Safe Routes to School schemes, pedestrian crossings, village footpaths, greenway connections and bus stop upgrades.

It will also allow for continued progress on the Daingean to Edenderry Greenway, a project with significant potential to enhance connectivity, outdoor recreation, and local tourism.

Welcoming the announcement, Offaly TD Tony McCormack said the funding represents a major investment in safer and more accessible transport infrastructure throughout the county.

McCormack commented: "This funding will support practical projects in towns and villages right across Offaly, improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists, delivering safer routes to school and enhancing public transport facilities."

He added: "I will continue to work to ensure Offaly receives strong and sustained investment across all transport programmes."

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Fellow Offaly TD John Clendennen also praised the funding allocation for the Faithful County. He stated: "This increased allocation is very welcome and reflects the growing importance of sustained investment in active travel infrastructure for Offaly."

He continued: "The funding will deliver real, practical improvements on the ground including safer roads, better pedestrian crossings, enhanced cycle networks and improved public transport infrastructure for communities right across the county."

Among the projects to benefit from the funding are the development of Birr Riverside Walk, further development of the Tullamore Cycle Network, new and upgraded pedestrian crossings and footpaths in Birr, Banagher, Shinrone, Rath, Mucklagh, Rhode and Edenderry and a number of Safe Routes to School schemes, as well as investment in bus stop enhancements across Offaly.

John Clendennen TD concluded: "Active travel is something I’ve consistently advocated for and will continue to work to maximize funding for Offaly across all transport programmes whether that is securing investment for roads built on peat foundations, delivering improved safety measures in our towns and villages, or advancing active travel and public transport projects that make everyday journeys safer and more accessible for everyone."

Offaly's allocation comes as part of the €360 million in capital funding dedicated for Active Travel and Greenways across Ireland in 2026.

The announcement was made by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney and Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer on Monday January 19. 

The Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme in the National Transport Authority (NTA) was allocated €290 million for the development of walking and cycling infrastructure in villages, towns and cities.

An additional €8 million is available to fund smaller-scale behavioural change and training programmes. These include CycleRight training in primary schools and the NTA’s Smarter Travel Workplaces and Campuses Programme.

The remaining €62 million has been allocated to deliver Greenway projects across Ireland, including the South Kerry Greenway and the extension of the Ulster Canal Greenway in Monaghan.

The allocation will also enable delivery of active travel infrastructure on national roads, and progress on the National Cycle Network, which aims to deliver a cohesive network between towns and cities.

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Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney stated: "The continued expansion of our walking and cycling network through Greenway and active travel infrastructure is crucial in offering safe travel options to cyclists and pedestrians."

He went on to say: "It also contributes to our progress towards Vision Zero, our road safety strategy which sets out to achieve zero road fatalities or serious injuries by 2050."

Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer said the funding will be vital for rural Ireland. He explained: "I particularly welcome today’s funding announcement for Greenway projects which have been a valued addition to rural Ireland in recent years through showcasing our beautiful landscape, bringing visitors to overlooked areas and helping small local businesses to thrive."