Decision Not to Progress Greenway Highlights Inadequate Consultation

IFA Environment and Rural Affairs Chairman Harold Kingston has again restated his call on the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to work with IFA and farmers and put in place a robust package of measures for all landowners impacted by greenways throughout the country, following the decision not to progress with the planned greenway from Dublin to Galway.

“This decision has been taken because local authority officials and representatives from TII failed to adequately and professionally engage with landowners in the planning phase of this greenway,” he said.

A framework exists for other national infrastructure projects such as roads and gas pipe lines which supports landowners through the process. IFA has again called on both the Department of Transport and TII to engage with farmers and fairly address their concerns.

He said that with proper engagement, farm families right across the country have facilitated thousands of kilometres of walkways. There are alternative routes on the proposed Galway Greenway route that significantly reduce the negative impact on farm families and Mr Kingston said the Department must pursue these options.