Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed over €2.1 million in Government investment for Greenway and Active Travel projects in Galway East, as part of wider funding of more than €14 million across Galway announced under the national €360 million Active Travel and Greenways programme for 2026.

The funding includes €1.45 million for Greenway projects in Galway East from a total €2.36 million allocated to Galway County Council, alongside €500,000 for Galway City Council under the Greenways programme.

In addition, €715,000 for Active Travel projects in Galway East forms part of a wider €2.1 million Active Travel allocation to Galway County Council, with a further €9.5 million allocated to Galway City Council to support walking and cycling infrastructure.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Canney said the investment would deliver tangible benefits for communities across Galway East:

“This funding represents a strong and targeted investment in Galway East, supporting safer walking and cycling routes, better connectivity between towns and villages, and improved public spaces for local communities.

It reflects the Government’s commitment to delivering practical active travel and greenway projects that enhance everyday journeys, improve road safety and support regional development.”

€500,000 has also been allocated to Galway County Council for the upgrade of bus stops in various locations across the county.

Minister Canney also highlighted funding for rural transport planning, noting that €50,000 has been allocated for Community Transport Studies, which include Headford and Portumna.

“Ensuring rural towns like Headford and Portumna are included in transport studies is vital in planning future services that meet the needs of local communities, particularly those who rely on public and community transport,” he said.

The projects form part of the Government’s wider strategy to expand sustainable transport, reduce emissions, improve safety for vulnerable road users and support economic and social activity in towns and villages.

 

Note to Editors

Galway East – Active Travel Projects (Galway County Council)

Total Galway East Active Travel investment: €715,000

Active Travel scheme design / delivery

  • Tuam Active Travel Scheme Design – Vicars St to Sports Grounds on the Dublin Rd (R332) – €50,000
  • Athenry Church St to Tuam Rd (via Station Rd) Active Travel Scheme – €120,000
  • Headford Active Travel Scheme (Footpath project on Headford Rd) – €157,000
  • Loughrea Active Travel Schemes Design – €80,000
  • Pedestrian Crossing at St. Joseph’s Road, Portumna – €64,000
  • Glenbrack Road, Gort Active Travel Scheme (Extending Footpath) – €27,000
  • Kinvara Pedestrian Crossing – €20,000

Safe Routes to School (SRTS)

  • SRTS R1 Scoil Chroi Naofa, Athenry – €9,000
  • SRTS R1 Athenry Boys National School – €9,000
  • SRTS R2 St Brendan’s National School, Loughrea – €9,000
  • SRTS R2 Gort Community School – €9,000
  • SRTS R2 Ballinderreen National School – €11,000
  • SRTS R4 Tuam Educate Together NS – €10,000

HSSR – School Route Selection Report (R3) SRTS

  • R3 SRTS HSSR Carnaun NS, Athenry – €12,000
  • R3 SRTS HSSR Coldwood NS, Craughwell – €12,000
  • R3 SRTS HSSR Corrandrum NS, Claregalway – €12,000
  • R3 SRTS HSSR Crumlin NS, Ballyglunin – €13,000
  • R3 SRTS HSSR Killeen NS, Portumna – €13,000
  • R3 SRTS HSSR Kileeneen NS, Craughwell – €13,000
  • R3 SRTS HSSR Milltown NS – €13,000
  • R3 SRTS HSSR Scoil Áine Naofa, L. Cutra – €13,000
  • R3 SRTS HSSR St Augustine’s NS, Clontuskert – €13,000
  • R3 SRTS HSSR St Thomas NS, Peterswell – €13,000
  • R3 SRTS HSSR St Cuanas, Kilcoona – €13,000

Galway East – Greenway Projects (Galway County Council)

Total Galway East Greenway investment: €1,450,000

The following Greenway and National Cycle Network projects in Galway East have received funding:

  • AT – N67 South of Ballinderreen Cycleway – €1,000,000
  • AT – N63 Abbeyknockmoy Village – €100,000
  • NCN Galway to Athlone Cycleway (Galway County Council) – €150,000
  • NCN Galway to Athlone Cycleway – NRO Support (Galway County Council) – €200,000