€2.1 million funding for 56km. cycle track at Ballycroy National Park

Fáilte Ireland has confirmed funding approval for a €2.1 million 56km cycle track through part of the Ballycroy National Park / Wild Nephin.

The project when completed will see the upgrading of the existing Western Way to a grade 3 cycle/walk track extending some 56km off road from the Great Western Greenway through the National Park to Ballycastle in North Mayo.

The project is part of Fáilte Ireland’s strategic partnership with the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht’s National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to achieve the aims of further developing quality visitor experiences at Ireland’s National Parks and also conserving and protecting their natural environments for the enjoyment of future generations.

Also today, the National Parks and Wildlife Service announced the renaming of the National Park to the Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park.

Welcoming the Fáilte Ireland funding, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring said: “The investment will further open up the Wild Nephin to potentially thousands of international visitors who come to Ireland to participate in walking, hiking and cycling holidays. With an expected increase in visitor numbers following completion of the works, it will also provide economic opportunities for a range of local tourism businesses including accommodation providers, restaurants, bike hire, guiding and outdoor pursuits.”

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, said: "Last year nearly 5,000 ha of forest lands to the east and south of the Nephin mountain range were transferred to the Park.

"This newly acquired land has been integrated with the original park and I am delighted to announce that Ballycroy National Park will now be known as Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park. The funding of €2.1m from Fáilte Ireland will enable the evolution of the Park, and ultimately assist in protecting, preserving and promoting its stunning and unique landscape nationally and internationally.”

Paul Kelly, Fáilte Ireland chief executive, added: “Our consumer research shows that visits to National Parks are seen as an important element of a holiday to Ireland. Tourism is a very competitive marketplace and we have to remain constantly aware of the trends and requirements of an ever more discerning consumer.

"We are keenly aware that a key motivator for our visitors in choosing to come to Ireland is our landscape. This cycle track makes the most of the park’s natural environment with almost all of the trail uninhabited, free of traffic noise and light pollution. With an authentic ‘wilderness’ feel and a sense of real solitude, it’s the perfect destination for the growing numbers of visitors who are seeking to get away from it all through long distance walking and cycling.”

As part of the event, Minister Ring raised the Green Flag which was recently awarded to the National Park. A Green Flag is the mark of a quality park or green space and is recognised throughout the world.

The Green Flag Award for Parks is only awarded for exceeding tough environmental standards in green space management and excellence of visitor attractions.

The Green Flag Awards are judged by a peer jury of green space experts who assess the sites against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement. Green flag status ensures delivery of quality green spaces, best practice management, plans for improvements and future works and the implementation of environmentally sustainability within park management.