Dublin MEP Ciarán Cuffe says a transformation of Dublin is underway following this week’s announcements of measures to end through traffic in central Dublin and of over €150 million in new funds for walking and cycling paths in the greater Dublin area.

MEP Cuffe said: 

“When I first ran for election I stated that ‘People are more important than cars.’ I'm pleased that Dublin City Council is now enshrining this in their traffic management plans. These changes will truly transform the Dublin experience for residents and visitors alike. Today, we are reimagining our city as one that prioritises people, and gives space back to those who need it most: pedestrians, cyclists, and bus users. Cities are for living in, and I’m hopeful that through this process of change we will also create more areas for people to rest, including by providing more public seating, pocket parks, and play areas for families.”

He added:

“The importance of these measures for road safety and public health cannot be overstated. These changes will make a significant contribution to tackling Dublin’s air pollution problem, for example, which is well above WHO standards in some of the most heavily trafficked areas of the city. More active travel measures like those announced this week will save lives and ensure better air quality and health outcomes for Dublin residents.”

Under the active travel plans announced today, €290m will be spent nationally in 2024 to fund roughly 800 new and existing projects across the county. With this latest investment, the Government will have spent more than €1 billion on walking and cycling infrastructure since 2020 on more than 600km of cycling and walking infrastructure in Ireland. 

The grants announced for Dublin include €3m for the Liffey Cycle Route, €20m for the Fairview to Amiens Street Cycle Route, and €4.5m for the Dodder Greenway.