Public Consultation 1
Now Live
THE PROJECT
Mayo County Council, in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Department of Transport, are exploring the feasibility of an Interurban Greenway connecting Ballina, Castlebar and Westport.
The Ballina – Castlebar – Westport Interurban Greenway (BCWIG) Project aims to provide an attractive, safe and sustainable Interurban Greenway between the 3 largest settlements in Co. Mayo in line with governmental policy and will for part of the National Cycle Network.
BCWIG will act as a valuable corridor offering a healthy modal option for all users, providing enhanced access to the wider region, enticing users to explore its surrounding towns and villages and further develop both the commuter and tourism potential within the region, bringing benefits to the local economy.
LOCATION
The section of existing network being examined extends (approximately) from Ballina to the eastern end of the constructed Castlebar to Turlough Greenway and from the western end of the constructed Castlebar to Turlough Greenway to Westport in Co. Mayo.
The study area extends from Westport in the southwest to Ballina in the northeast. The total distance is approximately 45km to 60km and includes for access to Castlebar. The access to Castlebar from the east side is via the existing Castlebar to Turlough Greenway.
STUDY AREA
The Study Area encompasses an area from Ballina to Castlebar to Westport. The total distance is circa. 50km. Existing infrastructure will be incorporated where available such as the Castlebar to Turlough Greenway.
STUDY AREA
The Study Area encompasses an area from Ballina to Castlebar to Westport. The total distance is circa. 50km. Existing infrastructure will be incorporated where available such as the Castlebar to Turlough Greenway.
The Constraints Study is the identifying of all the physical / artificial / engineering / natural elements within the study area which it is expected that options will be developed and examined.
The development of this greenway may present opportunity for new eco-tourism and active travel businesses to capitalise on the growing market, such as the development of bike tours, bike repair/ sales, walking tours and food and beverage retailers.
The considerations used to establish the study area are the:
- Overall scheme objectives.
- The “Five S” criteria – Scenic, Sustainable, Segregated, Offer Lots to See & Do, Strategic.
- Environmental Impacts.
- Engineering.
- Finance Considerations.
The considerations used to establish the study area are the:
- Overall scheme objectives.
- The “Five S” criteria – Scenic, Sustainable, Segregated, Offer Lots to See & Do, Strategic.
- Environmental Impacts.
- Engineering.
- Finance Considerations.
The National Planning Framework
The National Planning Framework (NPF) is the Government’s high-level strategic plan for shaping the future growth and development of our country out to the year 2040.
It is a framework to guide public and private investment, to create and promote opportunities for our people, and to protect and enhance our environment – from our villages to our cities, and everything around and in between”…
The Ballina- Castlebar- Westport Interurban Greenway (BCWIG) Project will support the National Strategic Outcomes of the NPF.
THE PROJECT TEAM
Mayo County Council with the support of the Mayo National Road Office are the lead Project Managers and Designers.
A range of external Service Providers also form part of the team.
