Greenway plans in Leitrim prompt concerns over division of land

Greater involvement in the process surrounding the proposed Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) Greenway has been sought amid landowner concerns, particularly over the possibility of land being divided by the route.

The issue was discussed at a recent meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District, where Cllr Eddie Mitchell asked Leitrim County Council to arrange a workshop for elected members with the SLNCR design team and relevant Council staff. The workshop would provide an update on the emerging preferred route, the current stage of the design and landowner engagement, and the next steps in the project.

Cllr Mitchell put forward the motion in response to concerns from landowners about how their land would be used and which parts of the corridor would be included in the route.

“There’s a lot of concern at the moment, we’re going to be getting that feedback. I wanted a workshop meeting with the people who are designing that so that we would be better able to help those people,” said Cllr Mitchell, adding that he wanted the project to have the support of those affected.

Director of Services Vincent Dwyer noted that the project must follow a Code of Best Practice established nationally by funding agencies.

Council staff are currently engaging with landowners on a one-to-one basis. Mr Dwyer said elected members would have an opportunity to raise concerns and make submissions before the design goes to public consultation, which is planned for February 2027.

“We have to follow a process. There’s so many landowners involved. We’re not ignoring concerns, we’re trying to address them,” he said, adding that, “It would bring the process to a complete halt if we were to try and do the type of engagement you’re talking about.”

Cllr Mitchell also highlighted concerns among landowners about the greenway dividing their land. He was told that every effort was being made to avoid this scenario.

“Every effort is being made to be as agreeable as possible and cognisant of issues,” added Mr Dwyer.

An official response from the Capital Projects Office stated: “The project is progressing through the detailed design stage. Currently the design team are meeting with the individual landowners regarding the emerging preferred route and how it may affect their property. This procedure is in line with the Code of Best Practice, where the property owners be informed before the emerging preferred route goes to public consultation.

“It is hoped that the scheme will go to public consultation in February 2027 and a meeting with the elected members will be held in advance of that.”