Westport to Achill Greenway now contributing €1m to local economy
annually signalling good news for tourism in West Cork
Fine Gael Cork South West Deputy, Jim Daly, has said the provision of
€60,000 in total for the development of a cycle greenway from Cork to
Kinsale is great news for the area in terms of tourism and the
knock-on benefits for local business.
“The development of the Westport to Achill Greenway a number of years
ago has acted as a blueprint for what can be achieved right across the
country. In most instances, cycle greenways are being developed on
disused railway lines and the situation for West Cork is no different.
“A total of €60,000 is being made available to Cork County Council for
the West Cork Abandoned Rail Lines Greenway, made up of €30,000 for
the Cork to Kinsale section and €30,000 for the Ballinascarthy to
Courtmacsherry Section. These grants will be used for planning and
development of the greenway which should act as a huge draw for
tourism in the area.
“The Cork to Kinsale section of the greenway represents the first
phase in the opening up of the abandoned lines of the Cork Bandon and
South Coast Railway, which stretches to an impressive 188km. This
expanse of rail line, if fully developed, is being touted as having
the long-term potential to become Ireland’s premier off-road cycling
destination.
“The Cork to Kinsale section is 36km long and will be developed as a
dedicated off-road cycle and walking route. The Greenway will
incorporate the Chetwynd and Halfway Viaducts and Ireland’s longest
railway tunnel at Ballinhassig, which will act as visitor attractions
in their own right. The funding for this project will be used for
specialist engineering input so that the structural stability of these
landmarks can be determined and recommendations made on how best to
adapt them for use as part of the proposed route.
“Where the Ballinascarthy to Courtmacsherry section is concerned, this
proposed cycleway will be 14km in length and will be predominantly
off-road. A 4.5km section of the route, from Timoleague to
Courtmascherry, has already been developed as a result of active
community groups in the area.
“The Government has been looking for the best ways to take advantage
of the spectacular scenery which Ireland has to offer and has been
making funds available to allow us to capitalise on our natural
beauty. With the value for money that can now be found in Ireland,
people are more open to holidaying at home than ever before. Greenways
such as these will help to give West Cork the edge over other areas
and encourage tourists to pay us a visit, which means good news for
hotels, restaurants and local businesses in the area.”
