Mullingar named as first Cycle Hub Town

Fáilte Ireland has joined forces with Westmeath County Council and Waterways Ireland to launch Mullingar as the first Cycle Hub Town in the East and Midlands Region. Three cycle routes around the town and environs of Mullingar and the local Royal Canal are now officially open for business with bike hire available in the town.

Following applications under the National Development Plan 2007-2013, Mullingar was identified as one of seven locations in Ireland, to be established as a Cycle Hub Town. Further hubs will be launched around the country throughout the summer.
 
As a cycling hub town, Mullingar will form part of the National Cycle Network throughout Ireland being championed by Fáilte Ireland. The development of the National Cycle Network will help encourage both domestic and overseas visitors to take a cycling holiday in Ireland and position Ireland to compete internationally as a cycling destination.
 
Speaking at today’s launch, Kevin Kidney, General Manager of Fáilte Ireland in the East and Midlands Region said –
 
“Fáilte Ireland promotes County Westmeath under the umbrella Lakelands & Inland Waterways and research has shown that outdoor activities such as cycling routes are an integral part of the Irish tourism offering while at the same time affording an opportunity for local people to enjoy the benefits. These new routes in County Westmeath will greatly enhance the experience for both the tourist and local alike and are greatly welcomed.”
 
Work has taken place to ensure the area is easily accessible by public transport. During the last 18 months, major signage work has been undertaken by Westmeath County Council on the 117 kilometres of roadway that now makes up the three distinct cycle routes around Mullingar and its environs. The area stretches from Multyfarnham on the northern loop, to Castletown-Geoghegan on the western loop and to Dalystown on the southern loop.
 
Danny McLoughlin, County Manager, Westmeath County Council said he was delighted that the Council has had the opportunity to play its part in bringing this innovative project to fruition. He added -
 
“The intended aim of the project is to attract increased domestic and overseas tourism activity to the county, along with increasing awareness of our beautiful countryside while renewing the popularity of cycling as part of an active lifestyle and promoting the undoubted health benefits that can be gained from leisure cycling.”
 
In addition, the upgrading of the Royal Canal southern towpath between Mullingar and Ballinea was undertaken in conjunction with Waterways Ireland to ensure the safety of all users of the towpath section of the cycle route. Interpretation Boards have been erected at seven strategic locations along the cycle routes and promotional material has also been produced by Fáilte Ireland.
 
Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing at Waterways Ireland welcomed the new initiative to the banks of the Royal Canal in Mullingar, adding -
 
“The Canal, which links the Shannon to Dublin, is currently being restored and renovated by Waterways Ireland and is a wonderful recreational and tourism amenity for the town of Mullingar, the town’s environs and indeed the communities living adjacent to it. The Canal is a haven for flora and fauna and provides boating, angling and walking opportunities. With the addition of the cycle route yet another recreational and tourism amenity is now being provided and whether you are on a boat, on foot or on a bicycle you will have ample opportunity to sample one of Ireland’s hidden gems.”
 
The Mullingar cycle routes include a range of half-day and full-day cycling opportunities along three inter-linked and particularly scenic routes. Stunning views of rich pastureland and beautiful lakes and not forgetting the very pleasant towpath along the Royal Canal can all be enjoyed with the opportunity to relax at Lilliput amenity area and visit the 18th century estate at Belvedere. Whichever route is chosen, cyclists can enjoy the pleasant surroundings of a gentle landscape rich in lake and canal, lore and legend.
 
An integral part of the overall tourism offering, the cycling product offers great potential to attract visitors to Ireland with cycle tourists representing a growing and valuable market segment, particularly for rural areas. Currently over 100,000 visitors participate in cycling activities every year. Cycling can provide an added attraction and activity as part of a multi-activity holiday which also helps to extend length of stay and encourage repeat visits. 
 

ENDS

 
For further information please contact:
Fáilte Ireland – Marie McCormack
Tel: (044) 9350116
Email: marie.mccormack@failteireland.ie
                

Note for editor

Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, was established in 2003 to guide and promote tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy.
 
The tourism and hospitality industry employs an estimated 250,000 people and generates more than €6 billion in revenue a year. 
 

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