Active Travel projects set to unlock €7.73 billion in economic benefits

A new report shows the benefits of government investment in Active Travel goes into the billions, with residents and business owners in Clontarf highlighting how the city centre route has directly benefited them

Add to preferred sources News Stephen Holland Local Democracy Reporter 13:52, 01 Sep 2026 View Image Stock image of a city cyclist (Image: Getty Images)

Every €1 invested in Active Travel infrastructure generates almost €4 in benefits for society, a new report shows.

Findings from the National Transport Authority (NTA) reveal the economic benefits of Active Travel infrastructure over a 30 year period amount to €7.73 billion. Active Travel infrastructure includes things like segregated cycle lanes, greenways, widened footpaths, and improved pedestrian crossings.

The promotion of Active Travel transport options, such as walking, cycling and public transport, is a core component of Dublin City Council’s development plan, with ambitions to have 95% of people in the city will be within 400 metres of the Active Travel Network. Ultimately, this network will consist of 314km of safe and inclusive walking and cycling infrastructure across the city.

A prime example of the Active Travel Network in action is the Clontarf to City Centre route, which residents and business owners say have transformed travel in the area since it was completed in 2024. Connecting Clontarf Road to Amiens Street, the 2.7km route delivers a safer way to get around and also includes improved bus priority measures and enhanced public spaces for local communities.

Clontarf resident Richard Tobin praised the route and said that as he has gotten older his bike has been “my salvation”. “You slow down when you get older. The bike gives me tremendous independence,” he said in a Dublin City Council social media video.

The NTA’s Active Travel Investment Programme supports more than 2,650 jobs per year while also contributing to the everyday health of residents across Dublin and Ireland. Overall, the programme will support 26,640 over a ten year period. Clontarf father Gary Phelan stated “the kids love being on the bike” as the Active Travel route allows him to take them to creche via bicycle.

While an IrelandThinks survey shows that just 5% of Irish children cycle to school each day , School Principal of St Mary’s National School Margaret O’Connor highlighted the benefits of safe cycle routes like they have in Clontarf.

“I think it does give children the freedom. There's safety in it. Yes, it’s busy, but I think it also teaches them a lot of skills,” she said.

The ‘Benefits of Active Travel Investment’ report shows that, between 2021 and 2030, capital expenditure on active travel has generated and is projected to generate a total of €1.45 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA). This goes up to €2.04 billion when adding induced effects.

The expansion of active travel routes can also benefit businesses directly with Deirdre Mahon, owner of Quack + Dirk in Fairview, stating that routes not allow her to travel to and from work but also streamline their deliveries. “It is just so beautiful because you can go to the park, you’re not as cramped in with other cars and trucks and buses so you feel safe,” she said.

Another business owner who has directly benefited is Ken Duffy who runs Little Sport Bikes in Fairview. “There’s a fantastic cycle lane now, right outside the store, so people can come and go a lot quicker and easier into the city, and they’re creating a safer environment for people to get from A to B quicker,” he said.

Acting Director for the Active Travel Programme within DCC Chris Manzira explained that they set out to provide a sustainable transport corridor with the Clontarf to City Centre route that would provide continuous bus lanes, segregated cycling facilities and improve the pedestrian experience. He stated: “When you look at the volume of pedestrians using it, the biggest benefit is the off-peak use, which shows that the local community are actually using the facility.”

‘The Benefits of Active Travel Investment’ report demonstrates the positive impact of increased government funding since 2020, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said. He pointed out that choosing the active travel option over a private car results in saving for commuters while helping to sustain jobs around the country.

“Active Travel investment supports local economies and that is just one of the reasons, along with various social, health and climate benefits, why we will continue to invest in walking and cycling at a high level out to 2030, as committed in the National Development Plan and the Sustainable Mobility Policy Action Plan 2026-2030,” he said.

This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

Want to see more of the stories you love from Dublin Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives top stories and must-read content straight away. To add us as a preferred source, simply click here .