Sinn Féin Councillor and chairperson of Smart Travel Castlebar, Thérèse Ruane, has welcomed the news that funding has been secured for the cycle route linking Castlebar to the National Museum of Country Life in Turlough House.
Cllr Thérèse Ruane, chairperson of Smart Travel Castlebar stated: “This funding through the National Cycle Network and matched by Mayo County Council is very welcome. This off road cycle link of 8.8 km will link Castlebar to the National Museum at Turlough and will really enhance and link to the existing Great Western Greenway.
“Funding has already been allocated to an off-road Greenway from Lough Lannagh to Islandeady and is in the process of being developed. The stretch from Castlebar to Turlough is a vital piece of tourism infrastructure. I hope that the route from Turlough can be further expanded on in the near future, linking to Ballina and building on the off-road cycle network in the County. The Great Western Greenway is a real success story. I've cycled it on many occasions and it's a wonderful amenity to Mayo for local people and tourists alike. It shows the potential of developing similar routes throughout the County and promoting Mayo as a walking and cycling destination.
“Almost two years ago, Castlebar Town Council unanimously backed a motion I proposed that it is essential that Castlebar Town be linked to the Great Western Greenway and that the woods at Rehins be developed as a public amenity to the town. I am delighted that these projects are now being progressed. They are vital pieces of infrastructure and will put Castlebar on the map as a tourist destination as well as provided badly needed public amenities for the town.”
