A new 470 thousand euro cycle route in Ballinasloe is set to provide a significant tourism boost to the area.

That's according to Galway East TD Paul Connaughton who has called for the route linking Athlone and Ballinasloe to be extended towards Galway.

The new 20 kilometre cycle route is part of a nationwide investment programme valued at 7 million euro.

The funding will see 16 built across the country over the next two years.