The Roscommon Chairperson of the proposed RosSligo Greenway has said the project has received an extremely positive response from landowners and other key stakeholders in recent weeks.
Eoin Madden says local support for the Greenway, which has been described as a possible game-changer for the region, is crucial in order to secure Government support for a feasibility study later this year.
“Both the Sligo and Roscommon committees set out to contact all 91 landowners on the closed railway line between Ballaghaderreen in Roscommon and Kilfree in Sligo, 17km away,” he said.
“We are delighted that the vast majority of landowners have given their support to the feasibility study and very thankful for this as nothing could happen without that support”.
Mr. Madden described the recent development as a “very significant step” in receiving Government support for the study.
“We are confident that the Greenway will be a major asset to the whole area. Ballaghaderreen is the furthest town in Roscommon from the centre of power in the county and so too is Kilfree in Sligo. They are two areas which are neglected in terms of tourism but they offer a lot in terms of local history and landscape”.
The proposed route for the Greenway will run close to parts of the Beara Breifne Way with further potential links to the likes of Lough Gara Way and the Miners’ Way in the north of the county.
“All members of our communities will gain so much in terms of health benefits, the opening of new businesses, and increased tourism,” Mr. Madden added.
“It is hoped that the existing trails from Kilfree to Limnagh Bog and Boyle will eventually connect Ballaghaderreen to Boyle and beyond on a traffic-free, fully-paved way. Boyle itself will soon be connected to Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim village and Drumshanbo”.
It is also envisaged that the new Greenway will incorporate the River Lung into Ballaghaderreen, therefore providing the local community with a much-needed amenity.
The project has already received widespread support from local businesses, schools and sporting organisations.
“This Greenway is for every citizen including clubs, families, the elderly, and those with disabilities,” Mr. Madden said.
“It passes by two special conservation areas as well as a number of historical sites including Lough Gara with its dense population of crannogs”.
While the response has been extremely positive so far, this is just another step in the development of the RosSligo Greenway.
Both committees must now wait until September of this year to find out if the project will receive Government funding for the widely supported feasibility study.
