08/03/2026
Connemara Greenway Alliance Update
The Connemara Greenway Alliance (CGA) was formed in 2009 by a group of local business owners, community members and activists who support the completion of the Connemara Greenway.
Nearly two decades on, we are still waiting for the project to be delivered.
Every year we take part in the Moycullen St Patrick’s Day parade, and it’s always the same question from people along the route: “When will the Greenway be finished?”
Based on the current planning process, a realistic ballpark timeline could look something like this:
- Planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála: late 2026
- Planning decision: late 2027
- If required, a judicial review could extend this to early 2028
- Tendering process during 2028
- Construction starting late 2028 / early 2029
- Completion possible around 2030
We have engaged with AECOM, who are managing the Galway to Oughterard project, and the Galway County Council to try to get this project completed faster but have been told that they need to follow all the relevant policies in relation to the planning process and that this is why it is taking so long. The Galway to Oughterard project team have a website https://galwaytooughterardgreenway.ie/ and they encourage the public to give feedback so please feel free to contact them and let them know your opinions. The CGA will keep doing this too.
There are still several important steps ahead, but progress continues. The Greenway has the potential to bring safe walking and cycling routes, local recreation opportunities, and sustainable tourism to Connemara.
We will continue to share updates and support the delivery of the Connemara Greenway for the region.
(Photo shown was taken in the fabulous Kilrainey Woods in Moycullen. Well done MCDA / Forbairt Phobail Mhaigh Cuilinn Teo for all your hard work in getting this trail developed)
