“We have an opportunity to tap into a €76 million fund” - meeting told
There was a call for a recreational trail to be developed
There was a call for a recreational trail to be developed at last week's meeting of Leitrim County Council.
The trail between the Rivers Shannon and Erne should be developed and managed, according to Cllr Enda McGloin (FG).
The Drumshanbo based councillor tabled a motion on the issue. “Leitrim County Council welcomes the Tourism Masterplan for the Shannon and also the Upper Shannon Destination Plan and in particular the identification in both reports of the recreational trail between the Shannon and the Erne as a strategic objective,” his motion stated.
“I propose that this trail would be developed as a priority strategic objective for the Co. Leitrim area and that this local authority will ensure that the trail is managed and progressed through its various stages and within a timescale that satisfies conditions to avail of the allocated Masterplan funding,” the motion added.
Speaking on his motion, Cllr McGloin told the meeting that “this trail should be developed as a priority for Co. Leitrim.”
“We have an opportunity to tap into a €76 million fund in relation to this,” he added.
He went on to state that there is a timeline running until 2030 on this project. “I would hope that the executive would look again to get funding, so that the project could get to Phase Four stage and we could tap into the €76 million fund,” he stated.
Cllr McGloin asked Director of Services, David Minton, if the project can be advanced to Phase 4 by 2030.
“I am very confident that we can meet that timeline,” Minton replied.
A written reply from the council stated, “Leitrim County Council, in conjunction with TII, are progressing the South Leitrim Greenway. Sections of the greenway will provide onward connectivity with the proposed Ballyconnell/Belturbet greenway to the north being developed by Cavan County Council and the proposed Carrick-on-Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway providing connectivity from Leitrim Village to Carrick-on-Shannon.”
“Funding has been approved by TII for Phase 1 and Phase 2, and we are currently assessing tenders for the appointment of consultants to undertake these phases,” the reply added.