Minister of State at the Department of Transport and at the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, Jack Chambers TD, has officially opened the extension of the Great Western Greenway from Achill Sound to Cashel.

The official opening of the new 5km extension of the Great Western Greenway was carried out by Minister of State Chambers alongside Leas Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Martin McLoughlin.

The extension of the Great Western Greenway sees an additional 5km added to existing 44km length of the greenway, which now links up Westport to Cashel on Achill Island and will further enhance the tourism offering in Mayo.

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The project was managed by and constructed by Mayo County Council's Engineering and Outdoor staff and contractors. It also saw the cooperation of 25 landowners and 25 commonage shareholders with Mayo County Council to bring the project to fruition.

One of the major highlights of this new greenway extension is the unique and bespoke 400m of boardwalk that traverses a portion of blanket bog – this is the widest greenway boardwalk currently in use in the state and was constructed using sustainable and environmentally friendly products.

Opening the new greenway extension Minister of State Chambers said: "The opening of this 5km extension means that the Great Western Greenway will now extend into Achill Island. The Great Western Greenway has enjoyed tremendous success since it’s opening in 2011 attracting significant numbers of visitors to this part of County Mayo.

"Approximately €4 million has been spent to date by the Department of Transport in relation to the construction of this extension to Cashel. Work is underway to continue this extension by another 4km providing an almost fully segregated cycleway from Westport to Keel, I look forward to its completion in due course."