No update on controversial greenway

There will be no update before the summer on the controversial Belclare/Murrisk greenway that proposes a cross-country route through private property.

Cllr Brendan Mulroy raised the topic at the recent meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, stating that councillors "waiting and nothing is happening".

Head of municipal district, Seamus Ó Mongain, said he would relay the query to the National Roads Office, adding: “My understanding is it won’t happen before the summer.” 

Cllr Chris Maxwell pointed out that €100,000 had recently been allocated to the Westport area for greenways and asked if part of this could be used to repair the existing cycleway from Belclare to Murrisk.

"The barrier on the left hand side has fallen down into disrepair and is rotten. It looks ugly, especially following on from the fantastic job done there along the R335.” 

Cllr John O’Malley said the barrier on the Westport to Newport greenway at Kilbride was also in disrepair, adding: “People are asking all the time can it be repaired. All the wood is broken down.“ 

Mr Ó Mongáin replied that the €100,000 funding is designated for the design of the Belclare to Murrisk scheme, adding: “We will look separately into barrier repairs from Belclare back and also at Kilbride.