Fáilte Ireland has published new figures that have revealed County Mayo's Great Western Greenway will have a projected economic impact of EUR6.3m (£5.4m) this year.

The walking and cycling route follows the line of the former Great Western Railway, which linked Westport, Newport, Mulranny and Achill. It was fully completed in July 2011.

According to the national tourism agency, the greenway is expected to have attracted nearly 23,000 visitors, while also being used nearly 35,000 times by local people.

Meanwhile, Fáilte Ireland's study also showed that 70 per cent of domestic visitors and 45 per cent of overseas visitors cited the route as an important reason for visiting the area.

Michael Ring, minister of state at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, said: "[The figures] clearly show that the Greenway is proving to be the right way in terms of tourism success."

Details: www.failteireland.ie