Greenway generates €1.1 million annually

Greenway generates €1.1 million annually


Áine Ryan

THE Great Western Greenway is generating €1.1 million for the local economy each year, according to a study by Trinity College Dublin. The study has revealed that the 42km dedicated cycleway attracts more than 400 cyclists each day during the month of August and around 100 during December.
The project researchers say the €5.7 million investment will be repaid within six years because of the high level of traffic. The study proposes that similar cycleways would boost local economies.  
“Not only are tourists using this facility, it is being used as a sustainable travel mode for locals. Our analysis shows how successful the greenway has been and demonstrates a clear economic return on the €5.7 million investment,” Dr Brian Caulfield of TCD said.
The greenway, which runs from Westport to Achill along the route of the old Achill railway line, is the first part of a national cycle network, which aims to introduce segregated cycleways across the country. They are designed to attract both tourists and commuters.
Last year the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, announced plans for the first cross-country cycle route from Dublin to Galway, which could also be used by walkers.
The TCD report is part of a feasibility study into this proposal.