Though €1.5 million has already been spent clearing the way on the Sligo Greenway the local authority has now shelved the project after Iarnród Éireann withdrew its support.
The 35km greenway was planned to run on the path of the disused rail line from Collooney to Bellaghy. That line is owned by Iarnród Éireann, and though an alternative route running alongside the rail line was proposed, it was regarded as too complex.
For example, an assessment of the alternative route running alongside the rail line concluded it would run through about 250 pieces of privately own land, with around 70 per cent of the route requiring the purchase of private lands.
The project, which had planning permission, has been discussed for about a decade and was supported by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Iarnród Éireann also initially agreed to allow the rail line it owned, and which closed in 1975 after last carrying passenger trains in the early 1960s.
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However, once Iarnród Éireann withdrew its support 12 months ago, the alternative route was subject to a high level review by Sligo County Council.
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The review concluded the alternative route was too complex from land ownership, ecological and planning approval perspectives. It also found the greenway, following the alternative route, deviated from the code of best practice for greenways.
And now Sligo County Council has formally announced it has discontinued any work on the project. It said in a statement that, in consultation with TII, it was suspending any further work on the project.
“However, the council remains committed to the development of greenway infrastructure in County Sligo,” it said. “And, should Iarnród Éireann revert to its original decision to support the development of the Sligo Greenway centred on the disused railway line, Sligo County Council, in consultation with TII, will seek to resume the development of the project, subject to financial resources being available at that time.
“Sligo County Council wishes to thank all stakeholders and members of the public for their engagement on this project.”
Last week the Government decided to reopen the Western Rail Corridor from Athenry, Co Galway, to Claremorris, Co Mayo, via Tuam. That appears to have prompted Sligo County Council to formally abandoned the Sligo Greenway, as hopes will now grow in the region train services can return on that line.
