Walking and cycling
The Green Party is committed to delivering safe, connected and coherent walking and cycling networks in and between our villages, towns and cities.
The transport sector represents about 18% of Ireland’s carbon emissions nationally, with road transport and private car usage carrying the most significant carbon footprint. We want to facilitate people cycling and walking as part of their daily routine. One of the Green Party's key commitments in government is to deliver safe, connected and coherent walking and cycling networks in and between our villages, towns and cities.
We need to make our roads safer and providing a healthier alternative for parents, their children, the elderly and people of all abilities. No one should be denied access to opportunity, access to work, access to education or basic services because they can't afford to buy and maintain a car.
The Safe Routes to School Programme aims to create new and safer walking and cycling routes within communities, alleviating congestion at the school gates and increasing the number of students who walk or cycle to school. Being able to walk and cycle to school gives young people new independence and a healthy way to get around and explore their community.
Green Party Minister Eamon Ryan has secured funding of €289 million for walking and cycling infrastructure in 2022, covering approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects across Ireland.
Funding for Active Travel has increased substantially since the Green Party entered government, going from €45 million in 2019 to €289 million in 2022.
The government has committed funding to the Safe Routes to School programme, which aims to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school.
Green Party Ministers Eamon Ryan and Joe O’Brien TD launched a €3 million pilot initiative for the provision of high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for those on low incomes or who are marginalised and disadvantaged.
Green Party leads sixfold increase in sustainable transport spending
Councillor Hazel Smyth brings bike sharing scheme to Westmeath
