Clarification sought on permissive access for Mayo greenway extension

CLARIFICATION on permissive access for the development of the greenway extension from Achill Sound to Bunnacurry has been requested by Councillor Paul McNamara.

The Great Western Greenway from Westport to Achill was developed through permissive access. However, that has changed in respect of new greenway projects, which now involves land acquisition and can ultimately lead to CPO.

Councillors approved a Part 8 planning application for the Achill Sound-Bunacurry route in 2020 and his interpretation was that this involved permissive access, where the council would engage with landowners and reach agreement to pass through their lands but not take ownership.

New guidelines were introduced in 2021, involving TII, which sees greenways now involving voluntary land acquisition agreements, which if not reached can end in CPO.

Councillor McNamara felt this project was always about permissive access and an answer to an observation received by the council at the time indicated this.

Greenways should be built on permissive access, he said, and he requested clarification on the situation with this project.

Councillor Gerry Coyle said they had supported the Part 8 under the old rules.

An update will be available for the municipal meeting in June.