New south Mayo urban greenway is officially opened

The Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment, Alan Dillon, along with the cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor John O'Hara, have officially opened phase one of the Ballinrobe Orbital Urban Greenway.

Minister Dillon expressed his enthusiasm for the project, which marks the first of three planned phases connecting Convent Road to the Claremorris Road.

“I’m delighted to officially open this important piece of infrastructure for Ballinrobe.

"This initial section provides a safe and accessible route from the Primary Care Centre and Slí na Roba housing estate to the local primary and secondary schools on Convent Road.

"It will also support ‘park and stride’ initiatives, encouraging healthier and more sustainable travel to school,” said Minister Dillon.

This first 904-metre section is already making a difference and when fully complete, the greenway will stretch approximately 1.5km, forming a continuous, traffic-free corridor linking schools, residential neighbourhoods, healthcare facilities and key services.

Minister Dillon also highlighted the Safe Routes to School projects, which received €185,000 in funding earlier this year and are scheduled to begin in the autumn.

These works will further expand Ballinrobe’s active travel network, with Phase Two extending the route from St. Joseph’s Primary School to Cornaroya Road.

he stated: “Mayo County Council alone received €3million for Active Travel project this year.

These investments are not just numbers, they are commitments to climate action, public health and community wellbeing.

"We need to reduce delays, cut through red tape and ensure that projects like this move from planning to completion more efficiently, because our communities cannot afford to wait.”

Minister Dillon added: “I thank Mayo County Council, the National Transport Authority (NTA), contractors John Madden and Sons Ltd, the local schools, landowners and residents. Your collaboration and support have brought this vision to life.”

Looking ahead, Minister Dillon noted that future phases will extend the greenway from the Claremorris Road to the Kilmaine Road, including a new footbridge over the Bulkan River.

“This will provide safer access for all ages to the town’s sporting facilities and further enhance Ballinrobe’s active travel infrastructure.

"This greenway is not just a path, it’s a promise - of a greener, safer and more connected Ballinrobe.”

Following the greenway opening, Minister Dillon also attended the consecration and blessing of Ballinrobe Cemetery on the Neale Road.