Westport has taken lead in Smarter travel bid – Minister Dempsey

Westport has taken lead in Smarter Travel bid – Minister Dempsey


Áine Ryan

SPEAKING in the Quay School at last Friday’s launch of the Greenway, the Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council, Cllr Myles Staunton observed that without Transport Minister, Noel Dempsey’s funding ‘this wonderful facility wouldn’t have happened’.
“This project would not have been possible if some key and timely strategic decisions had not been made down through the years by Westport Town Council and former councils,” Cllr Staunton said.
Praising the work of Town Engineer, Patrick Corcoran, and his staff, he also thanked the teachers of the local schools and their pupils for ‘welcoming the project with open-arms’.
Mr Peter Hynes, Town Manager, said it was particularly fitting ‘to be launching this project that was such a source of joy on such a beautiful day’.
“When this railway line was acquired from CIE 25 years ago, the council, at the time, put their own monies on hold to ensure a gravel path was put down. As you can see, minister, when this town takes on something it embraces it fully. Westport is in to win the Smarter Travel competition This is the most supported project ever seen,” Peter Hynes said.
Leaving his prepared script aside, Minister Dempsey observed that he always enjoys coming to County Mayo and, moreover, that he loved Westport in particular. 
“I have watched Westport and develop so much. It is not easy now with the economic pressures but I think you have managed this town well. What you have done with the Smarter Travel project is part of what you have been doing over the years,” Minister Dempsey said.
“You want to make this town a good place to live for your children. I know we have to use cars but I’m sure as parents you are delighted to have this Greenway to use also,” he continued.
“County Mayo and Westport were among the first to get in their Smarter Travel application. You have taken the lead,” Minister Dempsey added.

The Greenway and Smarter Travel
ON Friday last, April 16, Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey opened the first phase of Westport’s new 2.5km cycling and walking route, which links Westport Quay with Altamont Street. The Greenway will pass by up to 60 per cent of Westport’s urban population when it is ultimately extended to Knockranny later this year. 
The Department of Transport is funding the project to the value of €620,000, with Westport Town Council providing €420,000. This three-year project also involves a range of other complementary supporting measures in addition to the infrastructural investment. Other aspects of the project include the provision of bike stands and shelters in Westport and the Quay areas, the promotion of the route through the Green Schools programme, community awareness schemes, and the monitoring and measurement of outcomes of the project. The main target is that 10 per cent of all trips in the housing catchment of the Greenway to be by bicycle by 2012.