Greenway Song is a big hit

'THE Greenway Song', written and sung by Newport native Peter Mylett, is proving to be a big summer hit.

The song has been played over the airways for the past two weeks and is especially popular with Midwest Radio listeners. With its catchy chorus and lively beat, and a hint of humour, it has reached out to all age groups.

Peter was inspired to tell this story after seeing the success of the greenway project, year on year, since its opening in 2010. Returning home from the UK to visit family and friends, he witnessed the local towns being rejuvenated, since the downturn of the economy in 2008.

He explained: "While over in Ireland in summer 2017, I paid a visit to Councillor Michael Holmes to find out who came up with the original idea of developing the Great Western Greenway. Arriving unannounced at his door, he generously welcomed me to discuss my intention of composing a song explaining the concept of the greenway."

Opened in 2010, on an average summer's day, the greenway (which stretches from Westport to Achill) is used by approximately 700 cyclists and pedestrians.

It has created over 200 jobs for the cafes, restaurants, hotels and cycle hire along the route, as well as extra taxis being required in adjacent towns and villages to cope with demand, generating millions of extra revenue for the area.

Just four weeks ago, Peter returned to Ireland to make a video of 'The Greenway Song'.

The response from local people and businesses in the area has been 'overwhelming', he said, and Peter is very grateful to the local people who happily featured in the making of the video and for their freely given support in many other ways.

The single can be downloaded on Spotify, Amazon and iTunes and the video is on YouTube - search 'Peter Mylett The Greenway Song'.