Active Travel allocation in rural Waterford ‘very disappointing’

Waterford City & County Council have been allocated a total of €5.7 million in Active Travel funding for 2025.

€300,000 of this funding is going to the Comeragh District of the county, specifically to Kilmacthomas School as part of the Safe Routes to School Programme.

The district will also benefit from a share of the countywide allocation of €60,000 for cycle parking, and from the countywide allocation of €500,000 for bus stop enhancements.

Comeragh District Councillors welcomed the funding last week, whilst also stressing that the region did not get its fair share.

Cllr Declan Clune commented: “I welcome the €300,000 for Kilmacthomas school. Its a dangerous spot, so this is significant investment which will definitely add to the safety of students, road users, cyclists and everyone in the area."

He added: “Equally, its very disappointing that we’re only getting €300,000 out of €5.7 million. I know a bus stop enhancement and bike stand programme was also mentioned, but we'll get limited benefit out of that."

Cllr Clune said that the National Transport Authority (NTA), who allocate the funds to Ireland's local authorities, are prioritising urban areas:

“I revert back to the point that apparently the NTA have reviewed their selection criteria to favor urban areas over rural areas. In my mind that’s fundamentally unfair. Why should anyone living in a rural area be disenfranchised compared to someone living in an urban area?"

Cllr Catherine Burke shared similar sentiment, saying: “I still can't fathom why the Comeragh district is suffering compared to other districts. We do have urban areas here and we have urban centers, so why is the Active Travel funding being redirected elsewhere?

“I think we do need to really look and find out why areas in the Comeragh district and rural areas in general are not being prioritised for Active Travel funding, as if people living in rural areas aren't active."