County Kildare to receive €7.8 million in funding for national roads and greenways

€7.8 million in funding will be allocated to roads and greenways located within County Kildare.

The announcement was welcomed by Kildare South TD Martin Heydon, who said that 'new and improved national roads and greenways are on the way for Kildare', as a result of the funding of €7.8m allocated to Kildare County Council.

The Fine Gael Minister made the comments following the Department of Transport’s announcement of €517 million for Ireland’s national roads and greenways on Thursday, February 22 last.

Commenting further on the funding, Minister Heydon said: "These supports will be key to enhancing connectivity and improving quality of life in our communities.”

"The majority of Kildare’s funding for this year is going towards the protection and renewal of the existing network, which has expanded significantly over the past few decades, to ensure it remains in a safe and robust condition. 

"The enhanced investment in the National Road network in recent decades has helped to improve regional connectivity and support economic development across the country, and the allocations which are being announced today build on this. 

"This allocation followed an allocation to Kildare last week of €23.16m for regional and local roads in Kildare."

Martin Heydon TD (Fine Gael).

He continued: "We are aware of the stress that congestion and excess traffic cause to families and commuters across Kildare. 

"This funding will be crucial to providing a safer, well maintained and more efficient road network for the people of Kildare.

"Greenways similarly play an important part in reducing congestion as they offer a safe, sustainable and healthier alternative to driving.  

"They are not just a safe, segregated space for people walking and cycling on a daily basis, they also attract tourism and visitors and benefit businesses in the area."

Minister Heydon also said that is expected that, through these new funding allocations, approximately 65 kilometres of greenways will be delivered around Ireland in 2024.

He concluded: "As the days are getting longer, Kildare residents are eager to get out into nature and avail of the stunning scenery in our country."