Farming groups criticise Dublin-Galway greenway route

Two national farming organisations have criticised the route of the proposed Dublin-Galway "greenway" and have warned that they will "not tolerate" compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to facilitate it.

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) have stated they have "major" issues with the trail, which Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly is backing as part of a national cycle network. The IFA says that Galway and Roscommon councillors have given a clear commitment that CPOs and severing of farms will "not be tolerated" to facilitate the route. It has called for "meaningful engagement" with farmers.

ICSA Galway chairman Pat Loughnane has said the route is "neither the most efficient nor the most scenic" and has questioned why the old N6 Galway- Dublin road is not being used.

“Alternatively, if the focus is to be on scenery, then the route should include part of the river Shannon and the natural heritage area bogs in Galway, a far more scenic path than what is currently proposed,” Mr Loughnane added.

Mr Loughnane described the route selection as a “typical example of top-down, bureaucratic decision-making” and said there had been a “serious lack of consultation with some of the main stakeholders in this project”.

“While the greenway might prove to be beneficial to the towns along the route, it is vital that farmers are brought on board and their concerns must be heard and heeded,”he said.

The IFA has also said the old N6 road should be used, along with other State land such as Coillte and Bord na Móna property. It warns that the cycle track will "only happen" if voluntary agreements are reached with landowners.