Monday, 13 October 2025
Major European Award for the Great Western Greenway The Great Western Greenway in County Mayo has earned international recognition by receiving the Excellence Award in Green Transition at the European Greenways Awards held in Bilbao, Spain. This accolade celebrates the Greenway’s outstanding contribution to sustainable development, community engagement, and rural regeneration. The Role of Greenways […]
The Great Western Greenway in County Mayo has earned international recognition by receiving the Excellence Award in Green Transition at the European Greenways Awards held in Bilbao, Spain. This accolade celebrates the Greenway’s outstanding contribution to sustainable development, community engagement, and rural regeneration.
Greenways like the Great Western Greenway are playing an increasingly important role in addressing climate and environmental challenges. By encouraging low-impact transportation such as walking and cycling, they help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions associated with car travel.
Additionally, the preservation and restoration of natural habitats along greenways support biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and increase resilience to extreme weather events, a key concern in the context of Ireland’s changing climate. Trails that once served trains now serve as green lungs for local communities, offering shade, clean air, and natural flood mitigation.
Stretching 48.5 kilometres from Westport to Achill Sound, the Great Western Greenway holds the distinction of being Ireland’s first dedicated greenway walking and cycling trail. It follows the route of a former railway line and has become a flagship example of how green infrastructure can promote tourism while preserving natural and cultural heritage.
Since its opening, the trail has attracted thousands of visitors and inspired the creation of similar greenways across Ireland and Europe.
The European Greenways Awards, organised by the European Greenways Association (EGWA), honour outstanding initiatives that enhance accessibility, safety, environmental sustainability, and community value along disused railway corridors and other traffic-free routes.
The Great Western Greenway stood out among 31 competing projects from across Europe, earning praise for its exceptional quality and integration of greenway characteristics.
A delegation representing Mayo County Council attended the awards ceremony, including:
Cathaoirleach Cllr Sean Carey
Joanne Grehan, Director of Services
David O’Malley, Senior Executive Engineer
Jonathan Noonan, Transport Infrastructure Ireland
Elizabeth Haynes, Department of Transport
Michael Fitzsimons, Fáilte Ireland
Cllr Carey described the win as “a substantial accolade for Mayo County Council and for everyone who has contributed to the success of the Great Western Greenway.”
“It reflects years of vision, collaboration, and commitment to sustainable tourism and community development. The Greenway has become a source of pride not only for Mayo but for the entire country, attracting visitors from all over the world to experience the natural beauty and warm hospitality of the west of Ireland,” he said.
Joanne Grehan highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, saying:
“This award is a testament to the effort between local communities, landowners, and public agencies. The Great Western Greenway shows what can be achieved when innovation, partnership, and respect for the landscape come together.”
She also reaffirmed Mayo County Council’s commitment to expanding and enhancing active travel infrastructure.
One of the lesser-known strengths of the Great Western Greenway is the deep level of community involvement behind its development and ongoing success. Landowners, residents, and local businesses have played a critical role in shaping and maintaining the trail, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.
This collaborative approach not only enhances the social sustainability of the project but also reinforces the value of land stewardship, where communities see themselves as caretakers of the natural and cultural landscapes they inhabit. In many ways, the Greenway is not just a route through Mayo, but a reflection of the people who live there.
The Greenway has not only revitalised the local economy but also fostered a stronger connection between people and the landscape. Its success story is seen as a model for sustainable tourism and rural development, blending outdoor recreation with environmental stewardship.
The success of the Great Western Greenway at the European Greenways Awards underscores the potential of green infrastructure to drive sustainable growth, tourism, and wellbeing. As Mayo County Council and its partners look to the future, plans are underway to expand and enhance active travel networks throughout the region.
This includes:
Extending the greenway network to connect more communities across Mayo.
Improving accessibility and infrastructure for people of all abilities.
Strengthening links with national and European greenway routes, positioning Mayo as a central hub in Ireland’s active travel landscape.
Furthermore, this recognition strengthens Ireland’s profile as a leader in sustainable tourism, aligning with broader national goals to reduce emissions, protect natural heritage, and support rural economies through thoughtful investment in green infrastructure.
The Excellence Award in Green Transition is not just a win for the Great Western Greenway, it’s a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and community pride. From its transformation of a disused railway to a thriving tourism and recreation corridor, the Greenway has become a symbol of what’s possible when vision meets commitment.
As other regions across Europe look to replicate its success, the Great Western Greenway stands as a trailblazing example of sustainable development, one that will continue to inspire, connect, and uplift for years to come.
To find out more about the Great Western Greenway or plan your visit, explore official resources provided by Mayo County Council and Fáilte Ireland.
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