€4 million plan for safer, smarter travel in Fingal

“The National Transport Authority has allocated €4 million to Fingal’s Road Development Plan to improve safety and smarter travel throughout Fingal”,   according to Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal Alan Farrell. The funding was confirmed today through the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

“There are 24 key projects in the new Road Development Plan for Fingal that will result in major improvements for cyclists, pedestrians and bus users in the next few years.

“The plan will improve the Quality Bus Corridor that links Swords to the City Centre. Public transport users are well aware that buses are often stuck in traffic at peak times due to narrow road sections and traffic obstructions which in my opinion should have been addressed long before now.   Investment for the widening of bus lanes and in new traffic measures will reduce this congestion, therefore reducing commuter time and creating a more efficient public transport system.  

“Almost €2 million will be earmarked for the planning, design and construction of various Cycle Network Schemes throughout Fingal, and I am particularly pleased that plans to further the design stages of the Donabate-Malahide walkway and to construct the Drinan Holywell Pedestrian Cycle route has been named as part of this development.

“The Swords Sustainable Transport Improvement plan will receive €200,000 to develop a   new movement strategy for the town which will include the provision of a new traffic management plan, a cycle network and improved pedestrian facilities.  

“Parents will welcome the range of plans to will improve pedestrian accessibility at many of our schools such as the Educate Together in Swords, and both the national and secondary school in Lusk. It will provide peace of mind for those who would prefer to avoid the school time traffic by walking their children safely to and from school.

“Lusk will also benefit very soon from the construction of traffic signalling and footpaths at the junction where the Dublin Road meets Mains Street, allowing for safer pedestrian access through the busy junction.

“Holywell residents will also be interested in this funding allocation as it will include the provision of over half a million euro for the completion of the Holywell Distributor Road.  

“The aim of this plan is two-fold. It will improve movement and accessibility in Dublin Fingal, while also encouraging safer, smarter modes of transport such as cycling, walking and public transport which is economically efficient, is of benefit to the community, our health, the environment, and our landscape.

“I commend the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar TD, Fingal County Council and the NTA for developing this comprehensive plan that will widely contribute to the community of Dublin Fingal.”