Minister Eamon Ryan has launched the Pathfinder Programme for an ‘exemplar transport project’ to be delivered by Donegal County Council.
The initiative, one of 35 such projects nationwide, will see road space in Letterkenny reallocated for walking and cycling infrastructure.
A series of pedestrian and cyclist schemes will service key destinations in Letterkenny and link residential areas with educational, employment and commercial hubs.
The projects are those selected following Minister Ryan’s call to local authorities throughout the country over the summer to submit their most innovative, transformative plans for public transport, walking and cycling in their areas.
The programme is focused on reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector, by enabling the shift to cleaner transport choices.
It forms a key part of the implementation of the National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP), which sets out the government’s plan to meet Ireland’s requirement to achieve a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in the transport sector.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Ryan said: “I was delighted with the response to my call to local authorities to participate in the Pathfinder Programme. This first selected list shows clearly that there is a real appetite for change across the country. Shortlisted projects, while all unique, have three key things in common. They are innovative. They are ambitious. And critically, they will be delivered at speed. The Leadership Group through this Pathfinder Programme will continue to engage with all local authorities to ensure momentum and that the lessons and experience of the shortlisted projects are shared for everyone’s benefit.”
