Cyclists will soon be able to travel from Dublin to Galway along the first cross-country off-road trail in Ireland.
For both cyclists and walkers, the route is certain to quickly become a tourist asset and a boost to businesses lining the way. In alliance with Roughan & O’Donovan, AECOM will provide all engineering services from concept, feasibility, route selection, planning approval, detailed design and construction supervision.
The scheme is to be based on the highly successful Great Western Greenway in Mayo, which broadly follows the route of the renowned Westport to Achill Railway which closed in 1937.
“Ireland doesn’t have a cross-country, off-road cycle route and this would have significant potential to be marketed internationally,” noted Leo Varadkar, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
AECOM’s transportation team in Dublin will be assisting the National Cycle Network Advisory Group — consisting of the National Trails Office, Bord Fáilte, and the National Roads Authority — to establish the critical success of similar schemes across Continental Europe and to assess the benefits arising from the scheme.
Key features of the route will include:
- A long distance cycling trail that caters for multi-functional use, including walking and running, and water transport where it aligns with the waterways network.
- A traffic free environment, with good traffic-free connections into key towns along the corridor offering a range of services.
- A means of accessing a range of activities, attractions and events along a 200 kilometre corridor stretching between Dublin and Galway.
- A tourism offer with a strong brand identity, supporting independent travellers and guided tours, and which draws from the best features of similar destinations worldwide.
- Good access to and from the trail at intermediate points by public transport.
- A local resource, for walking, cycling and water-based activities.
- An engine for driving growth in local business, and in the national economy.
For more information, please contact Eoin O’Mahony.