€13.25 million has been allocated for the development and extension of greenways in Galway. The funding is part of a national allocation of €63.5 million from the Government via the Department of Transport.

In Galway the allocation includes:

  • €3,350,000 to continue the Connemara Greenway from Recess to Clifden
  • €1,800,000 to develop the Connemara Greenway between the City and Moycullen
  • €8,100,000 to develop a greenway between Athlone and Galway City as part of an overall plan for a greenway from Dublin to Clifden.

The national funding also includes €5.15 million for the expansion of the Great Western Greenway in Mayo.

The funding, as confirmed by Minister Ryan and Minister of State Naughton, is the largest single annual allocation of funding for greenways ever in Ireland.

Due to the impact of Covid-19 on the incomes of local authorities, the allocation from Government will cover 100% of the cost of the projects rather than the previous 60% – 40% ratio between Government and local authorities.

While funding is essential for the development of greenways, the planning process is equally important. The case submitted by Kerry County Council under the Strategic Infrastructure Development process to An Bord Pleanála regarding the 32km South Kerry Greenway should provide guidance on how best to develop greenways. A decision on that case is due by this Friday, 13th November.