Mayo community makes case for Greenway to revitalise their region

A GREENWAY through the heart of Knockmore and Pontoon has been proposed by a local community group as it would be 'essential for the overall growth of our area'.

A number of submissions in favour of a Greenway through Knockmore and Pontoon were made to Mayo County Council during the public consultation period on the feasibility of the Ballina-Castlebar-Westport Interurban Greenway.

Mayo County Council, in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Department of Transport, are exploring the feasibility of an Interurban Greenway connecting Ballina, Castlebar and Westport.

Barry Transportation was commissioned to progress the scheme development and as part of the Concept and Feasibility phase of the project, they asked the public for feedback on the current study area, the constraints identified and any other opportunities that the project team should consider.

A total of seven submissions were received by Mayo County Council during the two week consultation period which closed on May 17 with the majority of them from people in the Knockmore and Pontoon area.

A number of people from north Mayo made submissions calling for a Greenway to pass through their area as it is 'tailor made for a greenway development and would bring fantastic opportunities to an area'.

In their submission, the Knockmore Pontoon Development Group stated that their community has been lobbying for a Greenway for over ten years without success.

“It would have a hugely positive impact on the health and wellbeing of locals, as well as showcasing the immense cultural, biodiversity and heritage resources and enabling connectivity to Castlebar/Westport and Ballina,” the submission read.

The Group stated that they received €25,000 in Leader funding to conduct feasibility reports which 'outline a clear route and way forward.'

“Our group had a constructive engagement with Mayo Council Council, local TDs and County Councillors and the NPWS but without a successful outcome to progress this project which would be of huge benefit and enhance the infrastructure, quality of life, the local economy, community and heritage,” they concluded.

In her submission in support of a Greenway through Pontoon, Shirley Corcoran pointed out that the two local hotels had closed in recent years and a greenway will revitalise the community.

“The Greenway project will revitalise the local economy while simultaneously attracting more tourists to the area. A Greenway through Pontoon would provide visitors with an authentic experience by combining the area's history, natural beauty, and local culture.

“If the proposed Greenway runs through Pontoon, Knockmore, and the surrounding environs it would support ecotourism, provide green transportation options, lessen the impact on the environment, and help tourists feel more connected to nature. Communities can benefit, tourism can increase, and cultural and environmental artefacts can be protected for future generations,” she wrote.

Pontoon is on the shores of Lough Conn and Lough Cullin and in his submission Seán O'Sullivan said that the area is tailor made for a Greenway.

“The area has an abundance of beautiful scenery, woodland, hills and of course the idyllic lakes of Conn and Cullin, famed internationally for their fishing. The view from Tavnaughmore across Lough Conn is breathtaking and in many ways a hidden treasure and it’s a real shame that more tourists are not aware of just what the area has to offer,” he wrote.

“Pontoon/Knockmore is in many ways purpose built for this type of development – a quiet rural area with stunning scenery, the backdrop of Nephin and the twin lakes – everything that the potential greenway tourist is looking for,” he concluded.

The Islandeady Walks Group also made a submission in favour of a Greenway through the west Mayo parish as they feel the parish has much to offer greenway users. They also stated that they seek 'good connectivity between this new greenway and Islandeady community Centre, Islandeady church and Islandeady GAA club'.