A Guide for Irish Communities, Councils, and Contractors

What exactly is Active Travel? In Ireland travel is changing how people move through towns, cities, and rural Ireland daily. It describes any journey made under human power — walking, cycling, scooting, or wheeling — rather than travelling by car or public transport. For Irish councils, engineers, and contractors, it represents one of the biggest infrastructure investment areas of our time.

At Creative Landscaping Works, we supply the kerbing systems known as Active Travel Kerbs (ATKs) or Dutch Kerbs and infrastructure products that make active travel routes safe, accessible, and built to last. We work with local authorities and contractors across Ireland and Northern Ireland to deliver projects that meet NTA standards.

The Simple Definition of Active Travel

It means getting from A to B using your own physical movement. A child cycling to school is an active travel user. A worker walking to the bus stop at the start of their commute is, too. Even someone using a mobility scooter or wheelchair to reach the local shop counts.

The term covers a wide range of journey types and transport modes. What connects them all is that they do not rely on a motor vehicle for the primary movement. The Irish government defines active travel as walking, cycling, and related forms of non-motorised transport used for everyday purposes — not recreation, but actual daily journeys.

How Active Travel Differs From Leisure Walking or Cycling

This is a distinction that catches many people out. Going for a Sunday cycle along the Greenway is not active travel in the policy sense. It is recreation. Active travel specifically refers to journeys made for a purpose — getting to work, school, an appointment, the shop, or the train station.

What Infrastructure Looks Like on the Ground

Infrastructure is the physical environment that makes walking and cycling safe, practical, and attractive. It goes well beyond painting a line on a road.

A quality active travel scheme typically includes segregated cycling lanes, separate from both vehicle traffic and pedestrians. It includes raised kerbing systems — often referred to as Dutch-standard kerbs or ATKs or even Entry Kerbs— that physically separate cyclists from passing vehicles. Good surface materials, clear signage, dropped kerbs for wheelchair users, and adequate lighting all form part of a complete scheme. You can see the range of products HERE

At Creative Landscaping Works, we supply Active Travel Kerbs that meet these Dutch-standard specifications. These kerbing products are designed for the kind of segregated cycling infrastructure the NTA requires. They are built to handle Ireland’s wet weather, heavy use, and the freeze-thaw cycle that damages lesser materials over time.

Why It Matters for Irish Contractors and Suppliers

If you work in civil engineering, road construction, or outdoor infrastructure in Ireland, active travel projects represent a growing share of available work. Council budgets for active travel have increased year on year. Understanding what active travel requires — technically, materially, and in terms of design standards — puts you in a stronger position to win and deliver this work.

Suppliers who stock the correct kerbing systems, understand NTA compliance requirements, and can support contractors with product knowledge are becoming increasingly important. Creative Landscaping Works works with contractors across Ireland and Northern Ireland to supply ATKs and provide technical guidance on product selection.

The Role of Communities in Shaping Active Travel

These schemes do not appear without local input. Councils consult communities before designing routes. Residents, schools, local businesses, and disability groups all have a voice in where routes go and how they are designed.

This community involvement often shapes the final infrastructure. A route that looks straightforward on a map might face objections from residents concerned about parking, or support from a school that wants a safe crossing for pupils. Engineers and designers who understand local needs — and who can work with communities as well as technical standards — deliver better outcomes.

For property owners and homeowners along proposed routes, understanding what the infrastructure involves can reduce uncertainty. A segregated cycling lane with quality kerbing and good materials is not an eyesore. Done well, it improves the streetscape and adds to property values over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is active travel in Ireland?

It refers to everyday journeys made by walking, cycling, scooting, or wheeling rather than using a motor vehicle. It is defined and funded by the National Transport Authority as part of Ireland’s Climate Action targets.

What is Dutch-standard kerbing?

Dutch-standard kerbing is a raised kerbing system used to create physically segregated cycling lanes. The kerb sits between the cycling lane and the vehicle carriageway, providing a physical barrier rather than just a painted line. It is the preferred standard for NTA-funded cycle infrastructure in Ireland.

Do projects follow specific design guidelines in Ireland?

Yes. The NTA Cycle Design Manual and the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) set out the technical requirements in Ireland. Contractors and engineers must follow these guidelines on NTA-funded projects.

Where can I source Dutch Kerbs in Ireland?

Creative Landscaping Works supplies Dutch-standard Active Travel Kerbs across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Our team works with contractors and councils to specify the correct products for NTA-compliant schemes. Contact us to discuss your project requirements.

Does the infrastructure work in rural Ireland?

Yes. Rural schemes focus on connecting villages, schools, and town centres with safe walking and cycling routes. Donegal and other rural counties have received NTA funding for exactly this type of infrastructure. The design approach adapts to rural roads and lower traffic volumes.

See all about Active Travel HERE

Creative Landscaping Works is based in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. We supply Active Travel Kerbs and outdoor infrastructure products to contractors and councils across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Contact our team to discuss your active travel project.