Greenways: public resources for sustainable tourism and recreation

Cycling is increasingly recognised as a key mode in reducing the environmental impact of transport, promoting physical activity and developing the tourism sector. The provision of safe and attractive cycling routes is an important part of encouraging uptake of cycling. Greenways, as traffic-free trails, are fast becoming a feature of the landscape with an emphasis on tourism and recreation. Although greenways are relatively expensive to deliver (typically €100,000 per kilometre), they have received significant funding in recent years: at least €30 million in Ireland in the last five years). National and local government require evidence of return on this investment, yet there is a lack of information on the economic impact of greenways

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Contact

Richard Manton, Deptartment of Civil Engineering, richard.manton@nuigalway.ie