IFA raises concerns over proposed greenway route in Leitrim  

The IFA in Leitrim and Sligo have voiced strong objections to the proposed Sligo, Leitrim, Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) Greenway, warning of serious implications for farmland along the emerging preferred route.

At a meeting in Sligo last week with officials from Leitrim and Sligo County Councils and ARUP project consultants, the IFA outlined what it described as “very serious concerns” from landowners whose properties may be affected.

The SLNCR Greenway project, which will stretch across Sligo, Leitrim, and Fermanagh, is currently in the consultation phase, with public meetings taking place last week between planners, county councils, and the public.

In a joint statement, Leitrim IFA Chair Liam Gilligan and Sligo IFA Chair Michael O’Dowd said the Greenway proposal, as it currently stands, flies in the face of national guidance, which recommends maximising the use of public lands and minimising disruption to private property.

“This is clearly not the case,” the IFA said, pointing out that the majority of the emerging route runs through privately owned farmland — not public land — a fact confirmed by the project consultants.

“The proposed corridor has the potential to sever and divide a large number of farms,” said O’Dowd. “That is totally unacceptable and must be reviewed.”

The project proposes a 75km route through Collooney, Ballintogher, Dromahair, Manorhamilton, Glenfarne, and Blacklion, which will loosely follow the old North West rail corridor. The track, which will be 10 metres wide, is to be informed through public consultations.

Much of that land is now part of active farms and, in some cases, includes homes and farmyards. Some farmers have since registered the land in their own names.

“The old, abandoned railway line is long gone, and this land is now active farmland,” said Gilligan, encouraging landowners to check their title and seek legal support if needed. Under the Greenways Code of Practice, project promoters may contribute €750 plus VAT towards legal fees for title regularisation.

Project Liaison Officers are visiting landowners whose land may be affected by the proposed project to consult them on potential challenges and desired changes to the route.

Project organisers told the Leitrim Observer that the goal is to work with farmers and landowners to find an acceptable route for the Greenway for all parties, though they do not rule out the use of compulsory purchase orders.

The IFA reiterated its opposition to any compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) for greenways or other amenity projects, and highlighted ongoing concerns around privacy, safety, livestock health, anti-social behaviour, and the impact on day-to-day farm operations.

The consultation period is open until May 27, with an environmental assessment and design phase to follow. The planning application itself will not be submitted until 2027.

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