Independent councillor Michael Holmes has called for an “umbrella” group to take responsibility for the Greenway in the county to ensure that its “use and maintenance” is taken care of by one body. The Mulranny based councillor said at the Belmullet Electoral Area meeting this week that “it’s brought in thousands of people this summer and the business in the area will tell you that. We need to protect it and ensure that it’s maintained to the highest of standards.” Holmes’ suggestion was backed by other members of the committee and director of services for Mayo County Council Martin Keating said that progress was being made in a number of areas, and he said: “I do agree with Cllr Holmes that some structure needs to be put on the usage of it.”
He told the meeting that the priority is getting the Tonragee part of the Greenway completed and then it was about priorities and funding. Keating said that there was some progress made 18 months ago in relation to bye-laws for the Greenway but they hit a bit of a cul-de-sac and it may be time to revisit those bye-laws. He also said that the council had made a few different applications to Fáilte Ireland for a few different schemes and was hopeful of getting funding, but warned that the success of the Greenway had seen other areas look to do similar schemes and it was essential that innovative ideas were put forward to ensure that Mayo stayed at the top of the queue.
