New Cycling Inclusion Hub Launched in Mayo

Variety Ireland and Mayo Autism Camp Launch New Cycling Inclusion Track, in Manulla FC, Co Mayo.

Variety Ireland and (MAC) Mayo Autism Camp have officially launched a new Cycling Inclusion Cycling Centre of Excellence in Manulla, County Mayo. This marks a major step forward in making cycling accessible for children and adults of all abilities in Mayo.

The purpose-built facility provides a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where people with additional needs can enjoy the physical, emotional and social benefits of cycling using a range of specially adapted bicycles and trikes. The initiative reflects a shared commitment by all stakeholders to breaking down barriers to participation and creating opportunities for everyone to enjoy active lifestyles.

The official launch welcomed families, local community organisations, volunteers, supporters and public representatives, all celebrating the opening of what is expected to become a leading centre for inclusive cycling in the west of Ireland.

The Cycling Inclusion Centre of Excellence in Co Mayo forms part of Variety Ireland’s national Cycling Inclusion Programme, which continues to expand opportunities for children and adults with disabilities through the provision of adaptive cycling equipment and accessible cycling facilities throughout Ireland.

Mayo Autism Camp, supports children with autism and others on the disability spectrum and their families from across the county for many years, and will work alongside Variety Ireland to ensure the facility becomes a valuable community resource offering regular cycling sessions, family events, school programmes and opportunities for disability organisations to access adaptive cycling.

Speaking at the launch, Assistant Director for Disabilities at the HSE, Aoife O’Donohue said,
“Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the freedom and joy of riding a bicycle. This partnership with Mayo Autism Camp is about creating opportunities, building confidence and ensuring that no one is excluded from taking part because of disability or additional needs. We at the HSE and our government partners supporting Variety Ireland are proud to see this fantastic facility become a reality for the people of Mayo.”

Mayo Autism Camp’s Elisha Sweeney welcomed the partnership, saying:
“This Cycling Inclusion Track represents much more than a recreational facility. It creates opportunities for independence, physical activity, confidence and social connection for the families we support every day. We are delighted to work with Variety Ireland to make inclusive cycling available to our community.”

Adaptive cycling offers proven physical and mental health benefits, helping participants improve balance, coordination, fitness and confidence while encouraging greater independence and reducing social isolation. For many families attending the launch, seeing children enjoy cycling independently for the first time was a memorable and emotional experience.

Minister of State for Employment, Small Businesses and Retail & Circular Economy, and local TD, Alan Dillion added,
“This Inclusive cycling hub here in Manulla, County Mayo provides inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities to improve physical health, build confidence, develop independence, and connect with their community. It is the vision of my colleagues in government to promote social inclusion, wellbeing, accessibility, and equal participation, enabling everyone to experience the freedom, enjoyment, and benefits of cycling.”

This new facility will welcome schools, disability organisations, community groups and families from across Mayo and neighbouring counties, providing year-round opportunities to experience inclusive cycling in a supportive environment.

The partnership between Variety Ireland and Mayo Autism Camp is the second one of many new cycling inclusion hubs which Variety are due to open across Ireland in the coming months. Coupled with Variety Ireland’s new Mobile Cycling Inclusion Teams across Ireland, simply shows the effectiveness of collaboration between Variety Ireland, the HSE, The Department of Transport and The Department of Children volunteers, local communities and supporters who can create lasting change and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in sport and recreation.

A special thank you goes to Mayo County Council and councillors from Castlebar, David Mellet and Pat McHale, Leas Cathaoirleach Ger Deere, Harry Barrett, Blackie Gavin, Cyril Burke, Donna Sheridan, Michael Kilcoyne and Al McDonnell who organised and contributed towards the cost of the laying of the special cycling track.

As the first riders completed laps of the new track, the message was clear: inclusion is not simply about access—it is about creating places where everyone belongs.