Councillor highlights the enormous potential that greenway infrastructure can bring to rural towns and villages.Waterford Greenways success shows how investment in walking and cycling tourism can transform local economies, support small businesses, create employment, and attract visitors from across Ireland and overseas, a Sligo-based councillor has said.She posted about the issue on social media after a recent visit to the Deise Greenway, where he met with representatives of the Waterford Greenway Group in Dungarvan. In a video, she said she was visiting The Greenway Man in Dungarvan, who had 120 bicycles ready for use for children on a school trip. Cllr Marie Casserly (independent) said: The Waterford Greenway is a clear example of what can be achieved when communities, local authorities and Government work together with a long-term vision. Greenways are relatively low-cost infrastructure projects when compared to many other transport investments, yet they deliver significant economic, social and environmental returns almost immediately. They support local businesses, create jobs and bring investment into rural areas.Sligo is ideally positioned to benefit from similar development, given its spectacular scenery and the strategic advantage of having Ireland West Airport on its doorstep, she said.Cllr Casserly said: We have some of the most beautiful landscapes in Ireland, stretching from our coastline to our mountains and villages. More and more European visitors are choosing Ireland for its temperate summers, outdoor experiences and ease of travel. Sligo is perfectly placed to benefit from that growing market.She called for renewed political leadership to ensure it progresses on the Sligo Greenway plan. This comes after Sligo County Council last year paused work on the planned Sligo Greenway, claiming that it cannot provide a greenway alongside the disused railway trackbed between Bellaghy/Charlestown on the Mayo/Sligo border and Collooney, where the line meets the Sligo mainline.The move to effectively shelve the greenway project follows Irish Rails withdrawal of permission to the council to use the disused trackbed for the greenway, the planning of which is already estimated at 1.6 million in pre-planning costs.This project has always enjoyed Government support, but it now needs a renewed push. Support and engagement from the Taoiseach, the Tnaiste and the Minister for Transport will be essential to move it to the next stage. The opportunity is there, but we need leadership and commitment to make it happen, said Cllr Casserly.Cllr Casserly said: Greenway infrastructure would not only boost tourism but also support regional development, local enterprise and long-term employment across the North West. Greenways also help us meet our climate action targets by encouraging more walking and cycling while reducing reliance on car journeys. Just as importantly, they provide safe, accessible routes for local people of all ages to exercise, enjoy the outdoors and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.The success story in Waterford should be a blueprint for Sligo. We have the natural assets, we have the airport connectivity and we have communities ready to benefit. What we need now is to get this project moving again, she said.She added: Investment in greenways is an investment in the future of rural Ireland. This is about creating jobs, attracting investment, supporting local businesses, improving public health and giving visitors another reason to stay longer and spend more in our region. Waterford has shown what is possible. There is no reason Sligo cannot achieve the same success.