Special meeting to consider new Great Western Greenway connection
A special meeting of the Westport and Belmullet Municipal District will take place on Monday, where councillors will consider plans for a new Great Western Greenway link at Carrowbeg, Westport.
The project is a key part of Westport’s strategy to strengthen its role as a major tourism centre in the West of Ireland.
The new link will build on the town’s reputation as a top visitor destination along the Wild Atlantic Way and enhance key attractions, including Westport House Demesne, the Quay area, and the existing Great Western Greenway.
It will also connect with future projects such as the Westport–Cong Trail and the proposed National Coastal Path, further boosting the town’s tourism offering.
The proposed development will involve a realignment of the existing road layout, with a narrower carriageway for vehicles and wider footpaths and cycle lanes to create a safer and more accessible route. Traffic-calming measures will also be put in place to slow vehicles and improve safety.
New raised pedestrian crossings will be installed, making it easier and safer for people to cross the road. The scheme also includes upgraded public lighting to improve visibility for both pedestrians and cyclists.
In addition, the project will deliver an upgraded drainage system along the route. This will involve minor alterations to the existing surface water network, including the relocation and addition of gullies and the installation of new slotted drainage channels to reduce the risk of surface water build-up.
The proposed link consists of two parts and includes all ancillary works and required services.
It has been designed in line with the Mayo County Development Plan 2022-2028, supporting Westport’s tourism ambitions and the county’s wider sustainable development goals.
The Great Western Greenway was Ireland’s first greenway. It is a walking and cycling trail that stretches across 49km along the Wild Atlantic Way. The trail starts in Westport and passes through Newport and Mulranny before finishing at Achill Island. The route offers views of some of Mayo’s famous and most beautiful scenery, including Clew Bay, Clare Island, Croagh Patrick, and the Nephin Beg Mountains.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.