Laois secures €50,000 of €67 million greenway allocation

Laois was joint bottom of the table in the latest Greenway funding announcement made earlier today. 

Of the 27 local authorities to benefit from a total of €67 million in funding for Greenways and National Roads Active Travel Infrastructure through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in 2025, Laois and Longford were allocated just €50,000 each.

The funding was announced by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, Minister of State Seán Canney and Minister of State Jerry Buttimer. 

The €50,000 for Laois is a small fraction of the €4.2 million announced for neighbouring Co Kildare. In Offaly, a total of €855,000 was allocated while Carlow appears to have missed out altogether on this round of funding. 

Laois TD Sean Fleming welcomed the allocation of €50,000 to Laois County Council for a Laois Greenway project.

“This funding is for the new development works on a greenway from Abbeyleix to Portlaoise.

This allocation will be used to support the development of high-quality walking and cycling facilities at this location,” he said. 

“I am looking forward to Laois County Council working on this greenway with local communities so this facility can be in place as soon as possible.  

This allocation confirms the Government’s continued commitment to safe, sustainable and healthy greenway projects throughout the Country.

I look forward to many people using these facilities and amenities in the future,” Deputy Fleming added.   

The funding allocation is dedicated to developing walking and cycling facilities that offer safe, sustainable and healthier transportation options to communities. 

The allocation of €67 million for the Greenways programme is in addition to approximately €293 million allocated to fund the Active Travel programme, announced by the NTA in January 2025.The Active Travel programme supports a range of walking and cycling schemes including improved pedestrian environments, new segregated cycling lanes, pedestrian and cycling bridges, and pedestrian crossings. This combined allocation of €360 million for walking and cycling infrastructure in 2025 shows the Government’s continued commitment to safe, sustainable and healthy transport options.

Announcing the Greenway Allocations, Minister O’Brien said: “The allocation of €360 million in 2025 for active travel and greenway infrastructure demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to expanding sustainable transport options. This funding will support the development of high-quality walking and cycling facilities in cities, towns, village and rural areas.”

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Minister of State Seán Canney said: “Greenways are safe and accessible transport corridors that encourage greater levels of travel by cycling and walking, rather than by private cars, for leisure users, tourists and commuters. The continued expansion of our walking and cycling network through Greenway and active travel infrastructure on our national roads is crucial in offering safe travel options to cyclists and pedestrians. 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 Jerry Buttimer said: “Greenways have represented a tremendous success for rural Ireland showcasing our beautiful landscape, bringing visitors to overlooked areas and helping small local businesses to thrive. Greenways also provide an outdoor recreational facility that all members of the community can enjoy. I welcome today’s funding announcement for Greenway projects and look forward to the delivery of new and expanded routes in the coming years.”

Chief Executive of TII, Peter Walsh said: “The 2025 Greenway funding highlights the commitment of the Department of Transport and the Government to deliver active travel options throughout the country. TII along with our Local Authority partners will continue to deliver and progress these important Greenway Projects.”