Decision on Mayo greenway route to be made by An Coimisiún Pleanála

A DECISION on the route of a controversial greenway in west Mayo will be made by An Coimisiún Pleanála and not by local councillors through the Part 8 planning process.

Councillor Peter Flynn has confirmed what he described as the 'very significant but not altogether surprising news' that the preferred route for the Belclare - Murrisk greenway will go directly to An Coimisiún Pleanála to decide on planning permission for the project.

“This removes councillors from any input in the final decision, which is disappointing, but given how divisive the debate has been right across the community, it now allows a completely independent body to make the final decision,” he said.

An options selection report for the route is due to be finished within Q3 2026.

Councillor Flynn explained that the requirement to carry out an Appropriate Assessment and a Nature Impact Statement will add more cost to the project and will take additional time. And once An Coimisiún Pleanála make their decision, it should be binding.

He added: “This has been a painful process with poor communication at times, lots of misinformation at times and things said that shouldn't have been said. There is now a clear route to a final decision and clarity for everyone, be people for or against the preferred route option.

“I would again appeal to all stakeholders to engage with the project team so they know your thoughts and can build your views in relation to the potential recommended route. Engaging with the project team creates no commitment but critically it ensures the project team have a full picture and stakeholders know the alternatives available to them.”