02/09/2026
The National Transport Authority has published a new report looking at the benefits of the Active Travel Investment Programme which has seen the NTA and local authorities deliver almost 1,000km in active travel infrastructure, hundreds of new pedestrian crossings and junction upgrades and more than a dozen pedestrian and cycling bridges nationwide.
Economic Benefits
- Between 2021-2030, active travel investment is projected to generate approx. €2.04bn in Gross Value Added
- The wider economic benefits over a 30-year period are estimated to be €7.5 billion;
- Every €1 invested in Active Travel infrastructure generates almost €4 in benefits for society across a 30-year period.
Job Creation
- The Active Travel Investment Programme supports more than 2,650 jobs per year.
- Active Travel investment is expected to support 17,690 jobs over the 10-year period, with an overall of 26,640 when induced effects are also considered.
Annual Commuter Savings
- It is estimated that the cost of one year’s investment is fully recovered by the sixth year of the infrastructure being operational.
- Choosing walking or cycling over driving puts more money back into people’s pockets and the wider economy. Annual commuter savings are estimated at €831 for pedestrians and €5,351 for those cycling.
Read the report: https://www.nationaltransport.ie/publications/the-benefits-of-active-travel-investment/
