'There are leaves piling up and branches overgrown' - concern over Leitrim's greenways

The issue of a funding stream to maintain greenways was raised at this week's Leitrim County Council meeting.

Cllr Felim Gurn (Ind) submitted a motion, in which he stated, “that Leitrim County Council calls on the TII to set up a separate funding stream to support Leitrim County Council to carry out maintenance and repairs on greenways, separate from the roads funding allocated to each county council”. 

“The issue of maintenance on greenways is an issue all over the country as greenway demonstration stretches are developed and brought into use. I ask that this motion, if passed, is circulated to all oher local authorities,” the motion added.

Speaking on the motion, the Manorhamilton based representative said, “we are trying to roll out greenways, but the maintenance of them is important. There are leaves piling up and branches overgrown on greenways.”

He also highlighted the need for better lighting on greenways. “In the winter time, lighting is needed, particularly to make them safer for women walking. Perhaps we could look at solar lighting,” he stated.

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The motion was supported by Cllr Gary Prior (FF). “The greenways are welcome and very popular. However, the maintenance budget is extremely small for them,” he stated.

Cllr Paddy O'Rourke also supported the motion. “You cannot expend public funds and walk away from these greenways. You cannot expect that volunteers will look after them. I pass a greenway regularly, which is not in Leitrim, where there are briars that would choke a youngster,” he commented.

“I would hate to think hate these greenways would fall into disrepair. A very substantial investment is needed in them,” Cllr O'Rourke added.

Cllr Eddie Mitchell (Ind) also backed the motion. “We should never walk away from our duties. We should spend what we can on maintaining greenways,” he said.