Mayo towns to be linked as part of National Cycle Network

MAYO TD Alan Dillon has said the creation of dedicated cycle links between the towns of Ballina, Castlebar and Westport as part of a national cycle network is to be welcomed.

Deputy Dillon said he was delighted to see that a connection will be developed between the three Mayo towns in the proposed national cycle network which will connect over 200 cities, towns and villages throughout the country.

The plan will also provide proposed cycle corridors between Galway and Castlebar, travelling through south Mayo, while also linking Ballina and Sligo, onto Donegal, and Roscommon and south Mayo, into Westport and Castlebar.

The aim of the plan is to provide a cycle network of approximately 3,500km which will link to destinations such as transport hubs, centres of education, employment, leisure and tourist destinations. The three transport hubs in Mayo will also be located at Westport, Ballina and Castlebar.

Deputy Dillon said: “A full-time engineer has already been assigned in Mayo County Council to design the route from Castlebar to Ballina and work on this is ongoing. We need to ensure our local authority has adequate resources and funds to deliver the network as outlined in this new strategy document.”

The plan will provide many benefits for cyclists and communities across Mayo and further afield, including:

· Ensuring delivery of a high-quality cycle network which will promote safety, comfort and increased participation in cycling.

· Improving sustainable connectivity nationally and providing links with other networks such as CycleConnects, EuroVelo and Northern Ireland networks.

· Supporting both urban and rural economies through increased leisure and tourism cycling.

· Improving public health through well documented benefits of active travel.

· Guiding how local authorities prioritise exchequer-funded investments in cycle infrastructure.

· Making use of existing infrastructure wherever possible including greenways, road infrastructure, and declassified roads where safe and inviting cycle experiences can be provided.

Deputy Dillon, who is a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, added: “We have made huge progress over the last four years in creating and developing our cycle networks. We do, however, need more inward investment into our towns and villages in relation to our Active Travel and Safe Routes to School Programme.

“These three routes in Mayo have the potential to see huge benefits for commuters and also to boost leisure, recreation and tourism opportunities.

“I am anxious to see the towns of Castlebar and Westport brought closer together with further connections to the Great Western Greenway.”