Green Party TD, Deputy Steven Matthews was speaking following the launch of the ‘Additional Outdoor Infrastructure Fund’ by his party leader, Minister Eamon Ryan. The fund is €15 million nationally with all local authorities encouraged to submit applications in the coming weeks. Discussing the funding, Deputy Matthews said:
“This further funding will be allocated to local authority led initiatives that enhance outdoor urban space and improve walking and cycling infrastructure. It is designed to work in conjunction with the other grant funding streams released in recent weeks regarding outdoor dining and outdoor recreation spaces to fully make use of our outdoor space as much as possible this summer. This will assist the safe outdoor re-opening of society as Ireland gradually from current COVID-19 public health restrictions.
“The funding will allow for changes to traffic management arrangements to facilitate the reallocation of road space to improve facilities and safety for urban pedestrians and cyclists. Examples of projects eligible for funding include:
• Street pedestrianisation measures
• Reallocation of road and street space, using footpath extensions, bollards, public seating etc.
• Traffic management arrangements
• Other minor improvements.
“While we continue our efforts with social distancing and minimising the spread of the virus, we also need to provide ways for people to meet, exercise and enjoy their communities in a safe way, so we can all have an enjoyable summer. Through a combination of government initiatives, local authorities will now have the resources to help reimagine our towns and villages so that they can prioritise outdoor living in the summer months. We want to facilitate local businesses and the public in making the most of our outdoor spaces so that recreational activities can be safe and enjoyed by all.
“This newest round of funding will be administered through the National Transport Authority and I look forward to working with Wicklow County Council on any projects they seek to propose. The measures will need to be quickly implemented and provide areas in villages and towns where people can walk, cycle and gather outdoors while practicing social distancing, concluded Deputy Matthews.
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