The Great Western Greenway that stretches from Westport to Achill has been a huge success with 34,000 visitors bringing in €7m to the area per year , more than double its €3m cost.

It was only made possible by the decision of 160 farmers to provide their land along the old railway line free of charge under a "permissive access" agreement.

Speaking over the weekend Minister Michael Ring said the farmers had provided an example that could be followed elsewhere to make Ireland the cycling capital of Europe.

The Greenway has created 38 new jobs in bike hire shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels. And it has resulted in more tourists stopping in Newport, Mulranny and Achill during their cycle of the route, while also boosting the already successful tourist town of Westport.

The Minister said that access agreements with farmers were the only way forward because the State could not afford to buy the land.

The Greenway runs along the line of the disused Westport to Achill railway track, which closed in 1937. The land was sold to local farmers over the following decades. But thanks to their co-operation, the entire 42km route has been redeveloped as a cycling and walking track, with stunning views of Clew Bay and surrounding forests and mountains.

There are plans to develop cycle tracks on other disused railway lines around the country.

Farmers in Mayo are giving permission for their lands along the banks of the Castlebar river to be used for an 8km greenway from Castlebar to the National Museum of Country Life in Turlough.

Michael Ring said a crucial factor for other areas to take into account was the engagement with landowners, which in this case was led by Mayo County Council engineer Padraig Philbin.