Councillors updated on €2.4m Mayo greenway projects

TRANSPORT Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has approved a total of €2.4m to develop the Clew Bay Greenway in 2022, comprising €1.9m for Achill and €500,000 for the Murrisk section.

Construction works are ongoing on the greenway located between Achill Sound and Cashel.

The route between Murrisk and Bertra will be progressed and will incorporate a section along the public road to complete the delivery of this project.

In a tourism update, councillors at a Westport-Belmullet Municipal District meeting were told that for the development of the wider Clew Bay project, the following staff members have been assigned - Anne McCarthy as project transition lead to TII and Anna Connor as project liaison officer. Progress reports will be given in-person at meetings on a quarterly basis.

In other tourism news, funding of €40,000 has been awarded under the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund to improve beach access at Carramore, Keel, Dugort and Dooega. There is also ongoing consultation with Fáilte Ireland about the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan and associated projects.

Achill-based Councillor Paul McNamara welcomed the 'major investment' in the area, saying it was important to progress it and asking for a finish date.

Having the greenway progressing through the island was great news for visitors and also the local people who can avail of it on a daily basis.

He thanked all involved in the project, from the landowners to the council staff, adding it was important that it be extended out to Ballycroy too so all areas benefit in the future.

Councillor Peter Flynn said the fact there was still €2.4m on the table was miraculous and he wished everyone in Achill the best with their latest connection.

On the other side, they needed to figure out how to get additional funding and give the project team the opportunity to deliver this project.