Council to reapply for greenway funds
WICKLOW County Council intend to carry out an Environmental Impact Statement (E.I.S) to progress proposals for the development of a greenway from Wicklow town to Greystones.
The proposal first came from the Wicklow Town Team, who then formed The East Coast Greenway Committee to lead the project and source potential funding streams
Cllr Gail Dunne raised the greenway at last Monday’s meeting of Wicklow County Council, and expressed his disappointment that it missed out on inclusion among 26 new and existing greenway and cycling projects which received funding in July.
‘I am disappointed that no funding has been forthcoming for the Wicklow Greenway,’ said Cllr Dunne. ‘We need to keep our foot on the back of the neck when it comes to securing funding. A greenway would be a huge draw for Wicklow and Greystones, but also for Kilcoole and Newcastle. Do we need to start the whole scheme together? There aren’t many obstacles from Wicklow town to Kilcoole so maybe start with that. It would help the tourism industry in that part of the county.’
The Chief Executive, Frank Curran, responded that the project could not be split but that funding would be sought for an E.I.S of the area.
‘A feasibility study was carried out and there may be a route. We need a full E.I.S on the entire project as part of our next phase. It will cost around €800,000 and we had looked for funding but didn’t get it. We will reapply. There is quite a bit available.’