New greenway to be developed through Mayo town
A new greenway is to be developed through Newport.
Members of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District have approved the development of a proposed 1,100-metre greenway through Newport town, spanning from Knocknageeha to Kilbride and connecting to the existing Great Western Greenway.
Details were outlined by Mayo County Council engineers at last week's meeting of the municipal district. The plan includes the realignment of the N59 along Medlicott Street; formalised parking and an upgrade of the junction with L-1401 Fahy Road and enhancement of public realm spaces; construction of a greenway ramp leading up to the Seven Arches Bridge from Medlicott Street; upgrades to L-14072 Castlebar Street, including formalised parking and new footpath infrastructure; new car parking facilities near L-14071 Barrack Hill; public realm improvements in the vicinity of the old train station, located off L-14072 Castlebar Street and L-14071 Barrack Hill; and provision of supporting infrastructure such as bicycle parking, additional car parking, rest areas, and public toilets.
The plan was proposed by Cllr Brendan Mulroy, seconded by Cllr John O’Malley and approved by members, with Cathaoirleach Cllr Peter Flynn thanking the 13 parties who made submissions as well as management for their engagement with the public.
: “Often there are a lot of hurlers on the ditch but most of these submissions were positive. Some had concerns and that is welcome and raising these is what the consultation process should be about. This is another huge step in Newport and with the enterprise hub next year and the upgrades to Main Street and Medlicott Street, Newport is going to be transformed and become a very special town, not just in Mayo but around the country. It has huge potential and this greenway will be very much part of the town centre.”
Cllr Brendan Mulroy said there is no doubt the town greenway will make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists over the bridge in Newport and that it is a fantastic project, with compliments to all involved.
It was confirmed that getting the project up and running would take take time due to the need for considerable ground investigation around the viaduct and in order to secure funding. A detailed design of the route is expected by December this year with construction tipped for between February 2027 to February 2028.
- Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
