Controversial Clew Bay Greenway included among €4.6 million investment in Mayo Greenways

€4.6 million in funding has been announced today by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to enhance and further development Greenways across the county.
A total of six different projects will benefit including the controversial Clew Bay Greenway extension from Belclare to Murrisk in Mayo, which has been the subject of a long-running dispute between landowners in the area and Mayo County Council.
Local Westport Fine Gael Keira Keogh TD has welcomed the allocation of €4.6 million, as part of the Government’s 2025 capital investment in active travel and green infrastructure.
But she also acknowledged the importance of working closely with communities affected by Greenway developments, particularly regarding the Clew Bay Greenway extension from Belclare to Murrisk.
“I fully appreciate the concerns that some landowners and residents have raised about aspects of Greenway development, particularly around land use, access, and ensuring that these projects genuinely benefit local communities.
“This funding represents a significant commitment to enhancing Mayo’s outdoor recreational infrastructure, improving connectivity, and supporting local communities. Our Greenways are not just vital for tourism and local economies, but they also provide safe, sustainable travel options for cyclists and walkers,” said Deputy Keogh.

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 The 2025 Greenway funding for Mayo includes:

• €800,000 for the Great Western Greenway Achill extension, improving access to one of Ireland’s most scenic cycling routes.
• €600,000 for Great Western Greenway – Newport Village, further strengthening this much-loved trail.
• €250,000 for Great Western Greenway – Westport, ensuring continued investment in key sections of the route.
• €200,000 for Clew Bay Greenway – Belclare to Murrisk, boosting connectivity along the Wild Atlantic Way.
• €10,000 for the Blacksod Bay Greenway, laying the groundwork for future expansion in north Mayo.
• €10,000 for the Charlestown, Swinford, Foxford Greenway, supporting early-stage development.

In addition, €1.8 million has been allocated to Active Travel projects, including the N60 Castlebar to Breaffy route (€1.8m) and N59 Newport to Derrada realignment (€500,000), making key roads safer for walkers and cyclists.
Deputy Keogh also emphasised that, while investment in Greenways is welcome, it must be matched by proper consultation and clear communication with landowners and residents.
“This funding is an opportunity to build on Mayo’s reputation as a leader in outdoor tourism and active travel.”
Mayo Fianna Fáil Minister Dara Calleary said he was delighted that Minister O’Darragh Brien and Minister Jerry Buttimer have made this announcement for Greenway projects in the county.
“The continued funding of such projects is very welcome. Greenways have provided Mayo with safe, accessible cycling and walking corridors and have been very successful as tourist attractions. The continued expansion of our walking and cycling network through Greenway and active travel infrastructure on our national roads is crucial for our rural economy and future as well as contributing towards Vision Zero, the national road safety strategy which sets out to achieve zero road fatalities or serious injuries by 2050,” he said.

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Mayo Fine Gael Minister Alan Dillon said The Great Western Greenway has been one of the most important projects that Mayo County Council have invested in over the past half a century and welcomed the latest funding for the project.
“We have seen the greenway grow from an acorn of an idea to the blossoming piece of tourism infrastructure it has become today.
“Not only does it attract thousands of visitors a year to the county, it has seen towns and villages along the route thrive and brought vital employment to there and this extension will only increase this.
“This latest funding will further enhance connectivity and improve the quality of life in our communities in Mayo.
“As the days are getting longer people in Mayo are eager to get out into nature and Greenways offer a safe, sustainable, healthy option”, concluded Minister Dillon.