The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen TD, has announced that funding of up to €4,329,125 has been allocated under Fáilte Ireland's Tourism Infrastructure Fund to 27 tourism projects around the country. This allocation of funding is in addition to over €18 million in Tourism Infrastructure Fund grants already announced. The details of funding for Mayo projects have been outlined and include cycle routes, walking routes and facility improvements at Croagh Patrick and the National Famine Monument.
Mayo grants
Killary to Newport Linear Cycle Route – grant aid of 75 per cent of eligible expenditure, up to a maximum of €105,000, towards the erection of signage indicating the route, including directional signage, repeater signs where necessary at 2km intervals and poles. Six interpretative signs with information / maps will be strategically located along the route. In addition, ten lay-bys will be developed and stainless steel bicycle racks erected at Newport town, Fahy, Doo Lough, Croagh Patrick, Drummin and Delphi.
Facilities improvement at Croagh Patrick and National Famine Monument sites at Murrisk – grant aid of 75 per cent of eligible expenditure, up to a maximum of €112,500, towards the improvement of visitor facilities at these two important tourist attractions in Mayo and to improve pedestrian safety between both sites. The works will address the identified needs of improving parking, access, signage and safety, especially for pedestrian traffic between the two sites onto the R335 regional road.
Westport Cycle Hub at the Railway Cycle Lane – grant aid of 75 per cent of eligible expenditure, up to a maximum of €252,750, towards the development of the section of former railway between Rice College and High Street as a cycle lane and to provide access points at suitable locations along the route. In addition it is proposed to provide a bicycle access-way to Westport Railway Station along with lane markings, rest areas as well as the restoration of the railway bridge at Altamont Street. The disused railway line connecting Westport Quay and Knockranny, Westport once formed part of the Great Western rail network. The line was abandoned in the 1960s and is now in the ownership of Mayo County Council and CIE. A section of the line at Westport Quay has already been improved and forms part of the Westport Cycle Hub.
Westport Cycle Hub Route – West Road Cycle Lane to Croagh Patrick – grant aid of 75 per cent of eligible expenditure, up to a maximum of €262,500, towards the provision of a cycle lane along the R335 from Belclare to Croagh Patrick.
National Coastal Walk – Westport Quay to National Famine Museum, Croagh Patrick – grant aid of 75 per cent of eligible expenditure, up to a maximum of €262,500, towards the development of a National Coastal Walk from Westport Quay to the National Famine Monument at Murrisk. The project works will provide a safe coastal walk linking Westport to Murrisk. The project includes provision of signage, marker posts and a dedicated walking lane, 4km in length, over busy sections of the R335 and L1801.
