€53 million Greenway fund is a great opportunity for Mayo

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has said that a €53 million fund for Greenways represents a great opportunity for Mayo.

The funding is available for Greenway projects from 2019 to 2021.

Minister Ring said: “This is a great opportunity to secure further funding for greenways in our county. In particular, there is significant work still to be done on the Great Western Greenway, which has provided a template for greenways throughout the country.

“I have championed the Great Western Greenway from the start both in my capacity as Minister for Sport and Tourism and in my current role as Minister for Rural and Community Development.

“Last August, I allocated €984,000 to develop phase one of the Clew Bay Trail and I am delighted to see that work has begun.

“This will help to build 8km of walking and cycling trails at Louisburgh, Old Head, Murrisk and Bertra as part of a more extensive trail proposed for the southern side of Clew Bay which will eventually connect Louisburgh to the Great Western Greenway at Westport town. The fund announced by Ministers Ross and Griffin could help to provide investment for the furthering of the Great Western Greenway.

“The Great Western Greenway has been a game changer for tourism in rural areas of west Mayo, attracting over 265,000 visitors each year, and has provided a platform for new tourism businesses and the regeneration of towns along the route.

“I recently launched a €2.1 million 56km cycle track through the Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park. The project when completed will go from the Great Western Greenway through the National Park to Ballycastle in north Mayo.

“The €53 million fund announced today is further evidence of the government’s commitment to supporting rural communities by providing amenities which serve local communities and help attract visitors to rural areas.”