Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed news from the Department of Transport that Waterford has been allocated a further €7.2 million for Smarter Travel Initiatives.

Dungarvan was selected as one of three Smarter Travel Demonstration Areas for 2012-2016, following the selection of its proposal to transform people’s travel behaviour, encouraging greater use of sustainable transport.

Waterford Institute of Technology was a key part of the submission team. The Chamber of Commerce was also heavily involved and specific support was received from Glaxo Smith Kline and the Business Park. Local health organisations and sports partnerships also contributed to developing the bid.

“This announcement comes on the back of earlier phases in the smarter travel scheme and is part of the Government’s Jobs Initiative announced last May.  This investment will improve the quality of transport in Dungarvan, getting people out of cars and onto bikes or encouraging them to walk.

“This funding is yet another boost for Dungarvan which will further increase the town’s appeal, making it a better place to work and live.  I was delighted to have worked so closely with the Department in relation to this matter.  Any funding is to be welcomed in these stringent times. But this funding, coming as it does with an acknowledgment of the significant contribution Dungarvan has to make, is even moreso.”

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