Waterford will see a fivefold increase in the number of cycling trips across the city and a 56% cut in road-related carbon emissions if new transport proposals unveiled today come to fruition.
The National Transport Authority is embarking on a draft Waterford Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy to improve walking and cycling infrastructure as well as expand the bus network and services.
The strategy provides a framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services in Waterford over the next two decades.
Included is the roll-out of the BusConnects programme in Waterford, which will see the provision of 63km of bus lanes and priority measures, as well as the introduction of 75 new zero-emission buses and a park and ride facility.
A new sustainable transport bridge across the river Suir - previously announced as part of the long-awaited North Quay regeneration - is also planned, as well as the relocation of the main railway hub to connect with the new infrastructure.
According to the NTA, the projected 541% increase in cycling will be enabled by the delivery of a safe cycle network consisting of 100km of cycling track and a 54km greenway network.
Meanwhile, there will also be 43km of new and upgraded footpaths to allow for a 55% increase in daily walking trips across Waterford by 2040.
Also involved in implementing the strategy will be local authorities in Waterford and Kilkenny, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Southern Regional Assembly.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said that, with Waterford set to grow by at least 50% by 2040, "there is a need to scale up the public transport network and encourage active travel to and from the city" and that the new strategy published by the NTA makes this possible.
"Through Government support, I'm confident we can deliver an integrated transport network that enables the sustainable growth of the Waterford metropolitan area and creates an attractive, accessible and connected city," he said.
Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA, said the draft strategy is focused on investing in sustainable transport and meeting the needs of a growing city.
"From BusConnects to new walking and cycling infrastructure, there is a unique opportunity to promote public transport and active travel in communities across Waterford," Ms Graham said.
"By rolling out these measures, we can help contribute to a 56% reduction in carbon emissions within the metropolitan area by 2040," she added.
Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, said the local authority is "fully committed" to the strategy and working with the NTA to realise its potential.
"This new transport strategy will be instrumental in the regeneration and transformation of Waterford as a sustainable city," Mr Walsh said.
A period of public consultation gets under way today and will run for six weeks, including public information events on 15 and 16 June.
Among the primary cycling routes to be improved within the Waterford Metropolitan Area include:
- Abbey Road
- Ashe Road to New Street through Barrack Street and Newgate Street
- Carrickphierish Road to Morgan Street via Knockhouse Road and Gracedieu Road
- Cleaboy Road to Lower Yellow Road through Upper Yellow Road
- Cork Road to The Mall via Manor Street and Parnell Street
- Kilbarry Road
- Williamstown Road to John's Hill along Upper Grange Road
