Local Towns & Villages to Benefit from Active Travel and Greenways Funding

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 have announced €360 million in Government funding for Active Travel and Greenways in 2026. 

This investment is dedicated to the development of walking and cycling projects that offer safe, sustainable and healthy transport options to communities around the country.

Cork County Council is set to receive €19,875,000 as part of the 2026 fund allocations. 

  Speaking on the allocations, Cllr Jack White said: “This funding is not only an investment in how we move, but in this area of Carrigaline, Crosshaven, Passage West and into the city – the projects funded will drive tourism numbers and spend into our area. We have seen evidence elsewhere of how greenways drive economic and tourism activity, and now by further connecting the city to Crosshaven – greenway tourism here is going to grow.”

He continued: “Along with the tourism benefits, we are also seeing investments in our public realm and spaces, from our much loved City Centre streets, to necessary design interventions in Carrigaline”

A number of local greenways set to benefit from in Government funding for Active Travel and Greenways in 2026 including the Passage West Greenway.

Some of the projects with tourism benefits include:

Passage Greenway – Phase 2 (Mahon to Passage West)

€200,000 to help upgrade the existing greenway from Mahon to Passage West.

Lee to Sea Active Travel Scheme

€14,650 to help develop the Lee to Sea Greenway linking Inniscarra Road to Rochestown Road.

Airport Road Cycle Lane Upgrades

€10,000 to help upgrade cycle lanes on Airport Hill between the Kinsale Road and Airport Roundabout.

Active Travel – Towns & Villages Programme (Multiple Municipal Districts)

€220,000 each to Carrigaline and to Bandon – Kinsale to help with design and implementation of active travel schemes in towns and villages across South Cork.

Carrigaline–Ringaskiddy–Passage – Phase 3 (Raffeen to Passage)

€1,700,000 to help construct a pedestrian and cycle route linking Raffeen to Passage West.

Carrigaline–Ringaskiddy–Passage – Phase 2

€200,000 to design a pedestrian and cycle route linking Carrigaline to Ringaskiddy along the N28 corridor.

Carrigaline Active Travel Scheme – Main Street

€50,000 to implement active travel measures on Carrigaline Main Street in line with the Town First Regeneration Plan.