Louth Council County has issued more information on the projects included in the €4.6 million they have received from The National Transport Authority Active Travel Investment Programme 2021 to invest in sustainable travel, walking and cycling projects.

Council CEO Joan Martin, said: “… This funding will enable the Council’s plans to progress the design of cycle lanes along the Dublin-Belfast Road (R132) both in Drogheda and Dundalk.

“It will also be used to improve pedestrian and cyclist usability, provide better accessibility to transport hubs, create safer routes to schools, and develop walking and cycling strategies for town and villages across Louth.”

The NTA Active Travel Investment Program aims to develop high quality walking and cycling facilities to encourage more people to switch to active travel and will contribute to tackling climate change. High quality designs are needed to connect communities, work places, schools and make walking and cycling attractive, safe and accessible to everyone.

The local projects to receive funding are:

St. Dominic's Bridge, Drogheda - €1.2m

The proposed works are as follows: strengthening of pier columns; replacement of damaged/ missing cross bracing members; repair to concrete edge beams; grit blasting and installation of a protective paint system for all elements; strengthening/replacement of structural elements and repointing of masonry abutments; replacement of existing bridge bearing; provision of positive drainage system and replacement of existing concrete deck slab (including installation of waterproofing system); and installation of new surface course and lining.

Drogheda R132, Bridge of Peace to Train Station - €200,000

Design works to incorporate cycle lanes along the R132 from the Bridge of Peace to the train station and similarly along the Marsh Road from the Viaduct back to the Bullring Junction.

Proposal will also include the review of the existing junctions along these stretches of roads to facilitate better cycling and pedestrian traffic.

Ballymakenny Road - €870,000          

Provision of a new Cycleway and footpath, incorporating Public Lighting, from the new Linenfield development towards the Ballymakenny College.

Twenties Lane & R166 Termonfeckin Rd - €100,000

Detailed design of cycleway and footpath upgrades at both these locations

R168 Collon Road, Hill of Rath and Rosehall Roundabouts - €70,000.

Design for cycleway and footpath from Leonards Cross to Rosehall, incorporating better pedestrian / cycle crossing facilities at the roundabouts

Rathmullan Road to Marley’s Lane junction, design - €80,000           

Design of infill section of cycleway from the Rathmullan Road to the St. Oliver’s Community College’s Lane. Design will look at pinch points, crossings and potential retaining structures

Drogheda: Boyne Business Park Link Road - €54,000

To further complement monies received in the Active Travel Stimulus monies received in 2020

Dublin and North Road, design - €100,000

Design Works to incorporate cycle lanes along the R132 North Road Drogheda from the Rosehall Roundabout to the Windmill Road where possible, and similarly from the Meath Border to Railway Terrance. Proposed design works will look to review the existing pedestrian / cyclist crossing facilities along these stretches of road

Transport / Mobility Plans

Local Transport Plans for both Dundalk and Drogheda, with further Active travel Plans (Cycling and Walking strategies) for a number of self-sustaining towns and villages

Footpath Extensions / Links Package A - €378,000

Completion of footpath works in Termonfeckin, along the Strand Rd and new footpath on the R166

Footpath Extensions / Links Package B - €260,000

Extension of the existing footpath in Knockbridge to the 50kph speed limit. Additional Monies to complete footpath & public realm works in Annagassan.