Measuring the success of the Great Western Greenway in Ireland

This paper analyses the usage of a pilot Greenway (cycle way) in a rural environment in Ireland. The path is 42 km long and has several settlements along the route. Usage of the path is established by means of automatic counters located along the route. Usage patterns are analysed in relation to a number of weather variables and hours of the day. An economic analysis of tourists cycling along the Greenway was conducted to determine, the quantity of tourists needed to pay for the path is estimated and the payback period. In terms of increased tourist expenditure to the area, the facility brings approximately €405,000 from non-domestic tourists and €737,000 from domestic tourists annually, giving the facility a payback period of 6 years.