An Bord Pleanála has approved a new greenway trail for cyclists and pedestrians in Connemara, Co Galway.

According to RTÉ, the 52km track will run along the disused railway line between Galway to Clifden.

After an oral hearing late in 2012, the organisation gave the green light towards the project. However, it was subject to a number of conditions.

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One of these included changes to the route originally proposed, so the greenway will be separated from the N59 road.

Concerns had been expressed about the proximity of an 11km stretch of the cycle path to the national secondary road.

The latest decision has been welcomed by the Galway Cycling Campaign.

Spokesman Shane Foran said the route, if properly developed, could help transform tourism in the west of Ireland.

He added that a huge number of cycling tourists from across Europe would be attracted to the amenity.

The 42km Great Western Greenway runs between Achill and Westport in Co Mayo.

(JP)