A new look at greenways

A NEW consultation process on the future development of greenways – announced last week by Transport Minister, Shane Ross – has been welcomed as a very positive development by East Galway TD and Minister of State, Sean Canney.

Entitled, “Strategy for the Future Development of Greenways”, the consultation will invite written submission from all interested parties in the further progress of walkways and cycleways through rural Ireland.

The proposed Greenway project through Galway ran aground over the past couple of years as farmers feared a compulsory purchase order to take over part of their lands to facilitate the walkway route.

Galway IFA stressed at the time that the issue of the Greenway route was not a compensation one, adding that there was a real fear among farmers about their holdings being ‘split’ by the project.

Over the past year and a half, the Galway part of the project has stalled, but last week, Minister Shane Ross, initiated a public consultation process on the future of the greenways.

Minister of State, Sean Canney said that he very much welcomed the setting up of the consultation mechanism, adding that as ‘a strong supporter of greenways’, he urged the public and all stakeholders to engage with the process.

“There has been a lot of debate in recent times on the future of greenways and this public consultation paper aims to seek the views of all those interested in the development of greenways in Ireland.

“It is very important that the public have their say. The consultation paper discusses a wide range of issues surrounding the development of greenways and poses a number of questions to prompt further debate,” said Minister Canney.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.