Walking and cycling fund announced for Mayo towns and villages

Deputy Michael Ring has welcomed the news that funding is being made available to Mayo County Council for investment in walking and cycling projects.

The total fund nationally is €50 million and Mayo County Council is eligible to apply.

Among the kinds of project that will be considered are:

• Development of active travel network strategies.

• Provision of new / widened footpaths or segregated cycle tracks.

• Reconstruction / renewal of defective footpaths or cycle tracks;

• Improved crossing facilities for pedestrians/cyclists including raised surfaces, zebra crossings, provision of lighting and signalised crossings.

• Provision of cycle parking.

• Dishing of footpaths at junctions, raised pedestrian crossings, and reducing road width at crossing points.

• Closing roads to vehicles, except for access only.

• Permeability measures to support improved access within and between local communities.

• Setting appropriate speed limits in accordance with the Guidelines for setting and managing speed limits in Ireland and/or introducing a “Slow Zone”.

• Pedestrian / cycle bridge rehabilitation works.

• Design work in respect of the provision of a future pedestrian / cycle bridge.

“Mayo County Council with this investment will be able to identify convenient and direct routes for active travel modes. Funded projects should be accessible, age-friendly and maximise comfort to people of all ages and abilities.

"I look forward to the proposals that Mayo County Council will submit in this regard,” added Deputy Ring.