Mayo greenway route has fully reopened

THE Great Western Greenway between Westport and Newport/Achill has fully reopened.

A part of the route had been closed by a landowner at the Kilmeena section for more than a week, with users having to go out onto the N59 as a result.

Following negotiations, it has now been fully reopened.

Confirming the news, Councillor Peter Flynn extended thanks to the landowners and Mayo County Council staff for reaching an agreement and allowing people to walk/cycle safely between Westport and Achill.

The landowner had voiced concerns around issues they were experiencing prior to closing the route, with the matter raised by Councillor Flynn at the monthly municipal district meeting.

Under permissive access a landowner has the right to close a greenway.

Commenting on his social media, Councillor Flynn said: “The closure the last 10 days really brings home the challenges of permissive access and critically constructing any sort of greenway or trail alongside a road where inevitably there will be a significant numbers of local roads, farm access points and driveways into houses.”