Greenways in south of county to greatly benefit the area

Greenway projects in South County Leitrim were discussed at a recent meeting with many councillors saying they feel the projects will greatly benefit the area. 

Cllr Enda McGloin called on the council to seek the support of the TII to engage with consultants and identify a route selection for the Greenway from Kilclare to Ballinamore along the Shannon Erne waterway. 

He said that this is a strategic route connecting South Leitrim from Carrick-on-Shannon all the way to the Cavan border and, in his view, merits funding as a National Strategic Walk and Cycle way.

He suggested the council also seek support from Waterways Ireland who are the "key player" and added that with much of the infrastructure in place and much of the land owned by Waterways Ireland, the project should be achievable. 

He said it's expected that, subject to funding, preliminary assessments will be carried out later this year of what would be a strategic but yet feasible Greenway. 

Cllr Caillian Ellis said the project would link Ballinamore with Carrick-on-Shannon and it "would really open up that whole area for cyclists and walkers". He said that he understands that Waterways Ireland own around 80 per cent of the land and the two biggest "stumbling blocks" are Lough Scur and St John's Lake. 

Cllr Sean McGowan said that cycling and walking are a "huge part of a growing industry and need to be supported".

Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation, Joseph Gilhooly said a key project contained in the new County Recreation Strategy is the delivery of a comprehensive greenway for the South Leitrim area.

Mr Gilhooly said there "are a number of aspirations around Greenways in South Leitrim" and stressed that the "Cavan/Leitrim line is a long time in the thought process" and the council want "one comprehensive solution for South Leitrim."

He said that there would be "one significant South Leitrim Greenway project that would see Mohill to Ballinamore and on to the Cavan boundary coupled with Leitrim Village, Kilclare and Ballinamore through the TII process."