A new report commissioned by the National Transport Authority (NTA), The Benefits of Active Travel Investment, has quantified the long-term health, economic and societal benefits associated with investment in walking and cycling infrastructure.
The report estimates that investment through the NTA's Active Travel Programme is expected to generate almost €4 in benefits for every €1 invested. It also estimates that the programme could generate more than €7.7 billion in benefits nationally over a 30-year period. The report also estimates annual commuter savings of €620 for pedestrians and €3,480 for cyclists when compared with travelling by car.
The report identifies health as the single largest benefit category, alongside benefits relating to road safety, reduced transport costs, journey times, public space and local economies. Health benefits identified in the report include reduced mortality, lower rates of illness, improved mental wellbeing, reduced workplace absenteeism and lower healthcare costs.
Local data also highlights the health benefits associated with walking and cycling. The Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Walking and Cycling Index 2025 estimates that cycling currently prevents 33 serious long-term health conditions annually, saves the HSE approximately €450,000 each year, avoids the equivalent of 7,500 GP appointments and helps prevent three premature deaths.
As the national report notes, many of the benefits associated with Active Travel increase over time as walking and cycling become part of everyday travel choices. Available transport data in Limerick indicates growing levels of active travel. NTA Cordon Survey data shows cycling trips into Limerick city increased by 31% and pedestrian trips increased by 37% between 2022 and 2024. TFI Bike Share data also shows continued growth, with 34,554 journeys recorded in 2025, compared with 9,414 journeys in 2022.
Limerick City and County Council established a dedicated Active Travel Office as part of the national programme in 2021. Since then, approximately 22 kilometres of cycle infrastructure have been delivered across Limerick. Improvements have also been completed at 22 schools across the city and county through a combination of Safe Routes to School projects and wider Active Travel schemes, while approximately 10 kilometres of footpaths were constructed or upgraded in towns, villages and communities throughout the county during 2025.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said:
"As Limerick continues to grow, it is important that people have safe, convenient and connected options for getting around. The benefits of this investment extend beyond transport and economic benefit, with growing evidence that increased levels of walking and cycling can contribute to public health and wellbeing.
“Since our Active Travel team was formed in 2021, Limerick has gone from piecemeal planning to being ranked among the country’s top three local authorities for active travel. In 2025 alone, we delivered over 10km of footpaths, upgraded 134 public lights and delivered 10 fit-for-purpose pedestrian crossings, along with junction improvements, new links and traffic calming across the city and county.
“Our latest Walking and Cycling Index found that active travel prevents over 300 serious health conditions and generate €145 million in economic benefit every year. That’s a lot of people getting where they need to go under their own steam, and a lot of value being created along the way.
“The NTA report puts a figure on what we’re seeing locally: every €1 invested in active travel infrastructure brings almost €4 in benefits to society. That tells you why this has become such a central part of how we plan for the future of Limerick.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Councillor Tom Ruddle, said:
"This report helps to quantify the positive impact that investment in walking and cycling can have on communities. Across Limerick we are seeing improvements such as upgraded footpaths, safer routes to schools, pedestrian crossings and traffic calming measures that make it easier for people to move around their local areas. These projects vary in scale, but together they are improving accessibility and supporting walking and cycling within local communities."
Director of Transportation, Mobility and Public Realm at Limerick City and County Council, Patricia Liddy, said:
“The establishment of dedicated Active Travel Offices has enabled Limerick City and County Council to develop the expertise and resources needed to deliver a growing programme of projects. As the network continues to expand, Limerick data is showing increased levels of walking and cycling. Through close collaboration with the NTA, we continue to deliver projects that support sustainable mobility, public health, climate objectives and the long-term development of Limerick.”
