Greenway to extend into Achill Island

Plans for Greenway to extend into Achill

Edwin McGreal

Plans are understood to be at an advanced stage to extend the Great Western Greenway onto Achill Island.
Achill-based Cllr Paul McNamara has also made representation to Mayo County Council to come on board and The Mayo News understands that some government agencies are also financially supporting the proposal.
“It should be possible to extend the Greenway to various parts of the Island, which would be a big benefit to tourism,” he told The Mayo News. “Tourism is a vital part of our economy. Extending the Greenway all over Achill would bring the visitors into every area on the island,” he added.
It is unclear what parts of Achill Island will be serviced by the proposed Greenway but Cllr McNamara hopes it can run from Achill Sound to Dooagh, on the western end of the island and branch off to various parts of the island.
The Mayo News understands that the Greenway will be developed along old bog roads on the island.
“I’d be very hopeful that this project could be achieved in the near future. Funding will come on stream, this will happen and I am hopeful work will start early in 2015,” said Cllr McNamara.
Currently the Great Western Greenway cycleway and walkway runs offroad from Westport to Polranny, Achill, approximately one kilometre before the bridge onto Achill Island. It has been a huge success since it opened in 2010.