Between March and May 2025, Fáilte Ireland’s Strategy Management and Investment Analysis Unit assessed the economic impact of the proposed Belclare–Murrisk Greenway.

A conservative estimate suggests it could attract 30% of current Great Western Greenway users — around 57,000 in the first year—adding €1.3 million to the local economy over its first 12 months. Over 10 years (assuming a 5% annual growth rate), Fáilte Ireland estimate that this could exceed 722,000 users and generate over €16 million.

With major investment underway at Westport Estate, Fáilte Ireland estimate that up to 5% of its projected visitors could also journey on the new Greenway, which would represent an extra 4,700 users in Year 1, rising to over 93,000 in 10 years and contributing over €2.1 million to the local economy.

Additionally, Fáilte Ireland would expect the extension to attract a portion of the circa.100,000 annual Croagh Patrick visitors. If 10% use the Greenway to access the mountain that’s 125,000 more users over a decade, contributing €2.8 million to the local economy.

The cumulative impact of the above over the Greenway’s first 10 years amounts to an estimated 944,000 new users resulting in a contribution to the local economy of over €21 million.

For more detail on the findings of this assessment which was carried out by Fáilte Ireland in conjunction with Mayo County Council please email clewbay@failteireland.ie.