Potential threat to the anticipated Sligo Greenway due to objections by Irish Rail
The Sligo Greenway, a 37.5km project from Claremorris to Collooney in Ireland, is facing potential jeopardy due to objections from Irish Rail. The greenway, seen as a project that would boost tourism, community wellbeing, and sustainable transport, has already received €1.6 million in funding, including €300,000 from the Department of Transport in December 2020, €400,000 to TII in January 2022, and a further €700,000 in February 2024.
Independent Sligo Cllr Marie Casserly has expressed concern over the sudden objection by Irish Rail and called for an explanation of the change in stance. Irish Rail claims demand for the Limerick to Galway service is such that the section of line between Claremorris and Collooney will be "strongly considered" in the first review of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.
However, Irish Rail's objection to the Sligo Greenway could potentially make the project financially unviable due to the need for compulsory land purchases for building the greenway parallel to the rail tracks. The greenway was first approved in 2014 by Sligo County Council and is proposed to be built on a disused railway line that has been closed since 1975.
Irish Rail chief executive Jim Meade initially supported the use of disused railways for greenways, but objected to the use of the existing rail track for the Sligo Greenway on December 20th, 2021. Cllr Casserly questioned the origin of the objection and who inserted it into the latest public consultation.
The agreement of Irish Rail, as owners of the rail line, is required to proceed with the greenway project. The decision to cancel the Sligo Greenway has not been made, as stated by a spokesman for the Minister. The Sligo Greenway has significant support in towns like Coolaney, Tobercurry, and Bellaghey, and could potentially link up with a proposed cross-Border route from Sligo town to Enniskillen, creating one of the most comprehensive greenway circuits in Europe.
The Department of Transport spokeswoman stated that the final decision on the greenway will be for the Government. However, according to Cllr Casserly, the Minister for Transport has not been fully briefed on the matter. The reopening of the line was not part of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which means it will not be considered until 2050 at the earliest.
- In light of Irish Rail's objection, the financial viability of the Sligo Greenway project could be at risk due to the necessity of compulsory land purchases.
- The greenway project, initially approved in 2014, is proposed to be built on a disused railway line, closed since 1975.
- Irish Rail's sudden opposition could jeopardize the Sligo Greenway, a project aimed at boosting tourism, community wellbeing, and sustainable transport.
- Irish Rail's objection to the Sligo Greenway could potentially affect the project's policy-and-legislation status, as the agreement of Irish Rail, as owners of the rail line, is required to proceed.
- Cllr Casserly questions the origin of Irish Rail's objection and who inserted it into the latest public consultation, expressing concern over the potential impact on tourism, community wellbeing, and sustainable transportation.
- The Department of Transport has stated that the final decision on the greenway will be for the Government, but Cllr Casserly expresses concerns that the Minister for Transport has not been fully briefed on the matter.
- The Sligo Greenway could potentially link up with a proposed cross-Border route from Sligo town to Enniskillen, creating one of the most comprehensive greenway circuits in Europe, encompassing areas like Coolaney, Tobercurry, and Bellaghey. However, this is dependent on the resolution of the current objections and the eventual decision-making process.
