Thirty-five projects that aim to increase the use of public transport, cycling and walking have been launched.
The Pathfinder Programme maps out ways that people can use more sustainable travel options in particular areas.
The projects, which are due to come into effect over the next three years, are part of Government policy to deliver half a million additional active travel and public transport journeys by 2030 and to reduce by 10% the numbers of kilometres driven in fossil fueled cars.
The programme was launched in Tallaght in Dublin, where the local authority has proposed a cycling network to connect south Tallaght with the Luas, Tallaght Town Centre and University Hospital Tallaght, as well as five schools and sports communities.
South Dublin County Council is also planning to support the local community to access bikes and to create a new cycle path to link onto the Dodder Greenway.
Other projects under the scheme, which is happening in 19 counties, are plans to make the capital's College Green car free, a bus to school project in Co Meath, and a pilot project in Co Leitrim, to integrate with a hackney and community e-bike scheme.
It is understood the plan to phase out cars from Dublin's College Green will start next year.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said the project will improve and transform communities and act as an example to other places about sustainable travel.
He said the aim is to reallocate space to make it safer, and to make it easier to create an attractive town centre.
Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime, he said today's move was a message to local authorities to be quick and innovative when it comes to delivering better public transport and safer places to walk and cycle.
Minister Ryan said that while he is not against car drivers or in favour of banning cars, the large one-way systems in Dublin were designed during a time when people drove into work and home again, and that time is gone.
He added that it was about taking the road space back that was made available due to Covid-19, and create a much better urban environment and other cities.
