Greenways offer a wealth of benefits that extend far beyond simple recreation. They are a powerful tool for improving public health, promoting economic growth through active tourism, and enhancing community well-being.
Health and Mental Health Benefits
Greenways directly address the public health crises of physical inactivity. By providing accessible and safe spaces, they encourage people of all ages to engage in low-impact activities like walking and cycling. The World Health Organization (WHO) and our local health services recommend regular physical activity to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. The availability of a greenway can make it easier for people to meet these guidelines. For example, a study of the Waterford Greenway found that a significant number of its users were local walkers, highlighting its vital role in combating sedentary lifestyles
Beyond physical health, greenways are also a boon for mental well-being. Regular outdoor activity in natural environments is widely recognized for its ability to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Greenways offer a peaceful escape from the noise and pressure of urban life, providing an opportunity for people to connect with nature and clear their minds.
Financial Benefits of Active Tourism
The economic impact of greenways is substantial, particularly in rural areas that can benefit from increased tourism and local spending. Active tourism is a rapidly growing market. Greenways serve as a magnet for these tourists, drawing them to areas that might otherwise be overlooked. In the UK, studies show outdoor recreation activities contributed billions of pounds to the economy, with walking tourism alone supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. This form of tourism also has a so called “multiplier effect”, as money spent on tours, equipment rentals, and hospitality circulates through the community, benefiting a wide range of small businesses.
The success of greenways like the Great Western Greenway in County Mayo and the Waterford Greenway is a testament to this. These routes have revitalized local economies by spreading the tourist spend beyond traditional centers, creating new jobs and opportunities. The UK and Irish governments have committed significant funding to expand our network of greenways, recognizing their potential to deliver sustainable economic growth and job creation, especially in rural communities.
Case Study: Waterford Greenway & the Great Western Greenway
These Greenways have had a transformative effect on their local economies delivering significant economic benefits to their respective regions.
Increased Tourism Revenue: The greenways attract a large number of visitors, with a significant portion being domestic tourists and a smaller but growing number of international visitors. A study showed that a high percentage of visitors stayed in paid accommodation, with a large portion choosing to stay in hotels. This influx of tourists directly benefits local businesses. These include bike hire companies, cafes, restaurants, and accommodation providers (B&Bs and hotels).
Job Creation: The increased business activity and tourism have created new job opportunities in the hospitality, recreation, and retail sectors, providing a vital source of employment in rural areas.
Revitalization of Rural Towns: The greenways have revitalized towns like Kilmacthomas in Waterford and Newport and Mulranny in Mayo. They have successfully spread tourist spend beyond traditional hubs like Westport and Waterford, benefiting areas that previously saw little tourism.
Both greenways demonstrate that investing in high-quality active tourism infrastructure is a sound economic strategy. They not only provide a valuable amenity for local residents but also serve as a powerful engine for sustainable economic growth and rural development.