‘Act now for greenway’ - Co-op group
SLIGO Greenway are holding their third Annual General Meeting this Wednesday in the Yeats County Inn, Curry at 8.30 on May 23rd. The Co-op is now a firmly established community group working continuously for the establishment of a greenway on the route of the disused railway running between Collooney and Belaghy (Charlestown).
Speaking in advance of the AGM, Chairperson of the group, Pat McCarrick said, “For the greenway to progress, a few things need to happen. Sligo Co Co will require to enter a license agreement with Irish Rail.
“This will of course provide that the line will revert to Irish Rail if and when required to reinstate a rail service.
“The project will then require planning and funding from the Government. The good thing is, case for Sligo Greenway is very compelling; Irish Rail are well disposed to granting such a licence.
“Additionally, Sligo’s new County Development Plan provides for the development of the greenway and finally, this project as an ideal candidate for funding under the new National Greenway Strategy due to be published shortly by the Minister for Transport Tourism & Sport.”
The statement continues: “A number of key documents are required together with a planning process before the funding application can be submitted.
“While an Economic Study and a Technical Feasibility Study have been completed on the proposed greenway project, new requirements will demand Tourism Impact Assessments and the previously mentioned planning application,” he added/
McCarrick goes on to say, “Our priority now, as a community group, is to keep working closely with Sligo Co Co in an effort to proceed the project with a view to ensuring that this game changing amenity and tourist attraction for Co Sligo. Our goal now is to have both the funding and planning applications underway in this current year.”
All local shareholders are asked to attend and new members are welcome on the night.