Financial Study into a proposed development to create a greenway-type trail along the shores of Lough Conn/ Lough Cullen, between Knockmore and Pontoon, as a free, family-friendly recreational amenity. The project was being carried out by Pontoon Community Development Group. It will provide a safe, off-road link between the two ends of the community as well as forming a key strategic part of Mayo County Council’s wider plans for a long distance linear greenway connecting Ballina and Castlebar to the comprehensive system of walks, sites, activities, trails and attractions found throughout County Mayo.
The Lough Conn/ Lough Cullen Recreational Trail Greenway will be an almost 9km long amenity from Pontoon to Knockmore, with the potential for linkages to Foxford in the short-term, and to other areas of the County in the longer term, depending upon funding availability. The trail route skirts the shoreline of both loughs and crossing the isthmus that separates them. This is an area rich in heritage and cultural associations, as well as being a well-known destination for angling and outdoor activities.
Project details
- Extensive consultation with Mayo County Council, Mayo Walks, Knockmore Pontoon Community Development Group and other stakeholders
- Introduction to the promoters
- Research into the walking trails, greenways and recreational trails in Mayo and the West of Ireland
- Audit of local assets and services, including built heritage, natural heritage, attractions, angling, walks and trails, festivals and clubs
- Research into the planning objectives for the local area, County and region, and clarifying how this project meets these objectives
- Definition of a ‘catchment area’ for the project
- Socio demographic profile of the catchment area
- Identifying potential sources of funds
- Reviewing the economic potential of the project, including impact upon walking and cycling projects, economic analysis for a trail, number of local, regional and international visitors, net visitor expenditure, net additional expenditure (international) and the health benefits of trails
- Recommendations for a management structure, including operations, trail inspection, safety and insurance
- Developing a marketing and promotional plan, including potential branding, digital media, familiarisation visits, print material, signage, trail information and interpretation
- SWOT analysis
- Action plan for the implementation, development and management of the project
