Over €1.6m is to be invested in a new Co Mayo off-road cycle and walking route.

The county council has been granted funding to construction a 17.5km track to link Newport with Mulranny.

Both the Department of Transport and Department for Rural Affairs have backed the plans.

Roads Minister Noel Dempsey said: "The delivery of this world class Newport to Mulranny cycle and walking route is an important step in delivering a National Cycle Network in Ireland.

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"I want new routes like this to help re-engage people with cycling and help promote a shift from the car to more sustainable forms of transport."

The new route will run along the former Midland Great Western Railway line. Its development has been made possible by the agreement of local landowners who have allowed permissive access along this former rail line.

Mayo County Council will construct and manage the route, which is expected to be completed towards the end of 2009.

The Newport to Mulranny route was identified in Fáilte Ireland's Strategy for the Development of Irish Cycling Tourism.

(PR/KMcA)