Among today’s Budget 2022 announcements is the allocation of €108 million to maritime transport and safety as well as ongoing support to the Irish Coast Guard.

In respect to the coastguard, funding will provide enhanced building and IT programmes as well as investment in the SAR service including training and equipment.

In terms of maritime safety, it will provide support for Irish Lights, navigation aids and safety equipment.

Other marine-related and marine-adjacent funding points include a €360 million investment in nationwide walking and cycling infrastructure, encompassing €60 million for greenways.

Relevant projects that will be supported include the new Salmon Weir Bridge in Galway city centre and the remaining two phases of the Royal Canal Greenway.

Continuing construction will be funded on routes from Midleton to Youghal, Waterford to New Ross, Tralee to Fenit, section of the Grand Canal in Offaly and Kildare, the Clew Bay Greenway in Mayo and the Connemara Greenway from Clifden to Recess.

Also included is construction of the Greenway Bridge across the River Shannon in Athlone, which will form a key part of the coast-to-coast Galway to Dublin Greenway.