The Sligo Greenway project has been put on hold, leaving residents and enthusiasts of outdoor activities in a state of uncertainty. The 35km public walking/cycling trail, envisioned to run along the disused western rail corridor in south Sligo, has encountered a significant setback. The Sligo County Council, which had initially identified the route from Collooney to Bellaghy as its preferred option, is now facing a challenging decision. The council's high-level review revealed that the proposed alternative route, running parallel to the railway, would impact 250 private land parcels, with over 70% of the route requiring private land acquisition. This discovery has led to a reassessment of the project's feasibility, as the alternative route carries increased ecological impacts and a higher risk of not securing planning approval. The review also highlighted a deviation from the principles of the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways, which emphasizes the use of state-owned lands to minimize private property impacts. The council's decision to suspend further work on the project comes as a response to these findings and a consultation with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). The Sligo Greenway, which has been in the planning stages for over a decade, has faced numerous challenges. The project, funded by TII, has already incurred approximately €1 million in expenses. The council's initial plan was to maintain the land in Iarnród Éireann's ownership, constructing and operating the greenway under a license agreement. This strategy aimed to protect the railway line in the event of future re-opening. However, the recent correspondence from Iarnród Éireann during the public consultation in December 2024, indicating their inability to support the preferred route, has led to a reevaluation of the project's direction. The council is now seeking clarification on the reasoning behind Iarnród Éireann's position change. Despite the setback, the Sligo County Council remains committed to the development of greenway infrastructure in Yeats Country. They have expressed a willingness to resume the project if Iarnród Éireann reverts to their original decision, provided financial resources are available. The council's announcement follows the government's decision to reopen the Western Rail Corridor, adding a layer of complexity to the project's future. The extension of the rail line to Sligo is expected to gain prominence as the works from Athenry to Claremorris progress.
