Greenways will be a huge boost to Sligo

THERE will be a lot of investment in greenways in the new programme for government which could be of benefit to two local projects, according to Cllr Thomas Walsh.

The Fine Gael councillor had a motion before last week’s meeting of the council at IT Sligo seeking an update on two projects, the Sligo Greenway Project and the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway Project.

Cllr Walsh said they both were “fantastic” initiatives with potential for the area, and detailed the success of greenways in other parts of the country such as Waterford.

Cllr Marie Casserly supported the motion and said greenways have the potential to “open up Sligo” and help the county reach its tourism potential.

Cllr Tom MacSharry said greenways had become a “huge thing” across Europe and that the in the new programme for government there appeared to be an emphasis on greenways.

Cllr Dara Mulvey said he had called in 2014 for a feasibility study and that he lives beside a disused line which, in its current state, is no use to anyone, he said.

In response, Director of Planning, Community and Economic Development Dorothy Clarke said both projects had missed out on funding last year, but had applied for technical assistance funding this year and they are awaiting a decision.

Ms Clarke acknowledged the role of Cllr Marie Casserly in helping to facilitate a meeting with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in regard to the greenways, and said she believes the persistence is paying off.

Man power will be assigned to the projects, Ms Clarke concluded, if future funding is allocated.