Landowners remain 'totally opposed' to west Mayo greenway route

FORTY-FOUR landowners remain 'totally opposed' to the emerging preferred route for the proposed Murrisk greenway.

“It will be fought tooth and nail,” Councillor Johnny O'Malley told a meeting of Mayo County Council's roads and transportation strategic policy committee.

Work on an options selection report is continuing and the project is set to go to Part 8 planning in late 2024, when there will be further public consultation, the councillor was told.

Councillor O'Malley said the route proposed would divide farms and devalue land. Homeowners didn't want it going by the back of them in case of anti-social behaviour, with one having to move his washing line it is that close.

There is a flood plain too, which is a pearl mussel sensitive area, he stated.

He couldn't see why a greenway couldn't be developed along the roadway.

He was supporting the landowners and they are totally opposed to it.

Head of roads Paul Dolan said comments arising from public consultation were being taken on board and the route is being refined.

It would not impact on pearl mussel or the river and if there is an issue with a small flood plain, there will be a boardwalk.

Consultation is still going on, the portal is open, he continued.

An options selection report will be done where the preferred route is determined and that will go out for further consultation as part of the Part 8 planning process later in the year.

The process at this stage is not finished and there will continue to be more fine-tuning.

Councillor O'Malley informed him the 44 landowners will not be changing their minds because of the upset to their way of life and farming.