No funding stream for flagship north Mayo Céide Coastal Path

Councillors in north Mayo have been informed by Fáilte Ireland that there is no funding stream available to complete the flagship Céide Coastal Path.

The proposed 15 kilometre coastal trail linking the Céide Fields neolithic site and visitor centre with Downpatrick Head is a catalyst project involving the local community and part of the new five-year tourism development plan for North Mayo which was launched by Fáilte Ireland and Minister of State, Alan Dillon earlier this year.

However local councillors in the Ballina Municipal District expressed frustration that there has been little progress on its development and sought clarification from Fáilte Ireland on the timeline for funding.

In correspondence to members of the Ballina Municipal District ahead of its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Luke Murray, the Fáilte Ireland Team Manager for Mayo and Sligo stated that there was currently no funding stream for the project.

“At present, Fáilte Ireland does not have an active funding application before it in respect of the Coastal Path and there is currently no open Fáilte Ireland funding stream through which an application for the project can be considered,” he stated in correspondence before adding they hope funding will be made available in new capital investment plan.

“In line with A New Era for Irish Tourism, the national tourism policy statement, and Fáilte Ireland's recently published corporate strategy, the organisation is currently developing a new capital investment plan.

“It is anticipated that schemes will arise from this plan, funded through the NDP, and would be publicly advertised on the Fáilte Ireland website and open to projects that meet the relevant eligibility and assessment criteria. As these schemes are still under development, it is not possible to comment on the details on the eligibility of individual projects at this stage,” he said.

The project is being led and developed by Mayo County Council in partnership with local stakeholders, including the Céide Coast Community Company and local landowners. Mr Murray stated that Fáilte Ireland continues to engage closely with Mayo County Council and other key stakeholders in support of the project's advancement and 'recognises its strategic importance to the delivery of the Wild Mayo Destination and Experience Development Plan'.

The project received Part 8 planning approval in April 2024 and includes a trailhead and wayfinding signage, safety and agricultural fencing, gates, stiles, improvements to underfoot conditions and eleven bridges. An agreement has been in place with landowners along the route since before planning approval and as of June 2026, fencing and mapping work had commenced.