Re-open Arroo Trail to progress North Leitrim Strategic Plan

A major social, economic and spatial strategic plan outlining the potential for positive development in the Kinlough, Tullaghan, Askill and Glenade areas was launched in September this year but there are some items holding back its progress according to local councillors.

Cllr Justin Warnock stated that Arroo Trail needs to re-open for tourism in North Leitrim and to progress the strategic plan.
He asked Leitrim County Council to consider using a compulsory purchase order (CPO) on the land “for the common good.”
The local authority said they are in discussion with affected landowners along the trail to try and reach an agreement and to get the trail re-opened.
They replied, “The use of a COP process in this case is not suitable for these type of situations.”
Cllr Warnock noted that the trail was very popular and had been a “phenomenal success.”

He also added that farmers along the trail have lost out on grant money for allowing access onto their land, he said 20 farmers around Glenade were involved and are now out of pocket because the trail is closed.
Cllr Sean McDermott supported the motion for a CPO adding “a solution is needed.”

Cllr Warnock asked Leitrim County Council if they own the pier at Derrynaseer, Askill on the northern shore of Lough Melvin. He said the pier is “earmarked for development” as part of the spatial strategic plan.
Leitrim County Council said ownership of the pier is under investigation as it is unregistered on the Land Registry.
Cllr Warnock noted that the Council has done work at the pier previously.
He said it cannot be included in the plans for the area if the ownership of the pier is unknown.
The local authority said they would investigate the registry further and get someone to look through the printed archives of the land deeds to clarify who is the true owner of the pier.