Louth's Reilly says Cooley people must have final say on greenway
Cllr Reilly says people living on the Cooley peninsula must have the final say on Dundalk Carlingford Greenway
Dundalk-Carlingford's Cllr John Reilly has said that the people living on the Cooley peninsula must have the final say on any decision about a Dundalk-Carlingford Greenway.
Cllr Reilly was commenting following a protest held by landowners from the Cooley Peninsula at Louth County Council offices last Monday ahead of the local authority's monthly meeting, and two public meetings held in Cooley last week in relation to the proposed greenway.
In comments to the Dundalk Democrat, Cllr Reilly said that, "we are only at the beginning of the planning phase for a possible route for this project, and it's abundantly clear that the local community is not in favour of this Greenway."
The Fine Gael councillor is advising the public in Cooley that "it’s of vital importance to make your submission and have you say if you are against this project Or if you’re in favour. It’s at that point the TII will have to decide the outcome of this project."
He continued, "common sense must prevail, and people should not have to give up their land for something that they didn’t want in the first place
"I understand the farming community's concern about this project. We would be cutting through arable farmland in the heart of Cooley Peninsula. Fragmenting of farmland has a catastrophic effect on the efficiency of any farm system, spraying crops and moving livestock becomes more complex and dangerous for farmers."
Cllr Reilly added, "now is the time to Have your say and make a submission on www.dundalkcarlingfordgreenway.ie The date for making submissions has been extended to 6th of September 2024."