Donegal allocated €10.82 million funding for Active Travel and Greenway projects

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has granted €2.2 million for the Ballyshannon to Bundoran Active Travel Cycle Scheme as part of Active Travel Investment Grants.

A total of €4.6 million was granted by the NTA within Donegal, and Donegal County Council was allocated €6.22 million by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for Greenways and Active Travel. 

The largest NTA investment was the Ballyshannon to Bundoran Active Travel Cycle Scheme, which is a project to provide a continuous walking and cycling link between the urban environs of Bundoran and Ballyshannon along the R267 Finner Road.

Plans for the scheme include a segregated walkway and cycleway along the northern side of the carriageway extending for 1.6km. The rural section of the project will include a shared three-metre-wide walking and cycling route along the northern side of the carriageway, extending for 3.4km. 

The works will span the Finner Road from the Finner Road Roundabout at Bundoran to the Allingham Bridge on Assaroe Road. The scheme is designed to make walking, cycling and other forms of active travel safer, more convenient, and more appealing for people of all ages and abilities.

A further €1.5 million has been set aside by the NTA for the Letterkenny Kilmacrennan Road Pathfinder Scheme. 

The Active Travel plan for the N56 Letterkenny Urban area was the largest project recipient from the TII funding, after being allocated €3 million. 

A further €400,000 was set aside for the N15 for Active Travel Plans from Cappry to Ballybofey and the N56 in Dunkineely, and Dunfanaghy to Portnablagh.

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The Barnesmore Gap Greenway project is to receive €1 million, and was the project with the largest funding allocation for greenways. 

In Inishowen, the greenway from Bridgend to Buncrana and Newtowncunningham was allocated €700,000, and from Three Trees to Carndonagh was granted €200,000.

The Carrigans to Lifford greenway was included in the funding allocations, with a €550,000 grant. 

Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, and Donegal TD, Charlie McConalogue, said: “The allocation of €10.82 million for Donegal projects is further proof of the government’s commitment to the many active travel and greenway projects we have ready to go here in Donegal.

“Donegal is an integral part of the Wild Atlantic Way and has become a top global travel destination. Our greenways allow visitors to experience the many great attractions our wonderful county has to offer. Our greenways also provide a great option for the local community when it comes to getting out and getting active.

“The Active Travel projects are having a really positive impact across our towns and villages here in Donegal, and I look forward to seeing more of them commencing this year. I thank the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, for Donegal’s allocation that will support the delivery of walking and cycling infrastructure around our county."

Fellow Donegal TD, Pat The Cope Gallagher, commented: “Today’s announcement is a major boost for sustainable transport nationwide, but it is particularly welcome for Donegal. The county has secured significant allocations across a range of Active Travel and Greenway projects, ensuring that our towns, villages and rural communities are not left behind.

“This package for Donegal will support real progress on long‑awaited projects—from the Burtonport to Letterkenny  Greenway to the Barnesmore Gap route, and from safer active travel links in Letterkenny to improved connectivity along the N15 and N56. These investments will enhance safety, promote tourism, support local businesses and provide high‑quality recreational and commuting options for people of all ages.

“I commend the Minister, Donegal County Council, National regional office Donegal Town, for maintaining strong support for Active Travel and Greenways. Donegal has secured a fair and meaningful share of this funding, and I look forward to seeing these projects move from plans to delivery in the year ahead.”