The government has today announced the creation of up to 248 new jobs in local authorities to expand walking and cycling facilities nationwide.
The Programme for Government has already committed that €1.8bn will be spent on walking and cycling over the lifetime of the Government, and today’s initiative, according to Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton, will ensure that the expertise will be available to improve infrastructure and increase participation by making facilities safer and more accessible.
As part of the plan developed by the National Transport Authority, up to 218 additional staff will be employed across the local authorities with an additional 30 proposed for Regional Cycling Design Offices. The new staff will be dedicated to delivering and promoting active travel in Ireland and will support the delivery of almost 1,000 kilometres of improved walking and cycling infrastructure by 2025.
The Galway based Minister told Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley that today’s announcement focuses on resourcing a shift towards more sustainable modes of transport.
