The Government has announced funding of €13 million for 30 local authorities across Ireland to improve public spaces during the “outdoor summer”.
Galway City Council has been awarded €735,000 for four projects and Galway County Council has received €501,000 for 12 projects.
Local authorities were invited to apply to the funding in late April for short term measures which would improve outdoor areas as well as walking and cycling facilities.
The measures are now being introduced as quickly as possible to support the gradual re-opening of society in a safe manner and include projects such as kerb widening to facilitate outdoor dining, new on street furniture, improved cycling facilities, and traffic management changes that prioritise pedestrians and cyclists.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said that the government wants to ensure that local authorities have the resources they need to help communities enjoy a safe outdoor summer.
“The Additional Outdoor Infrastructure Fund enables measures such as cycling and walking infrastructure, the re-allocation of road and street space and traffic management arrangements.
“These measures, combined with other government initiatives for outdoor dining and outdoor recreation infrastructure, will support local authorities in re-creating open spaces and facilities which will both take into account public health guidelines and allow communities to thrive once again.”
Minister of State and Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton added that as we gradually emerge from restrictions, “it is important that the public can enjoy the summer months in a safe manner. These projects will play an essential role in making that happen.
“Whether it’s choosing to walk or cycle on new infrastructure or meeting friends in a designated communal space, these new spaces will enable the public to travel and gather in a safe environment.”
