Councillor clarifies position on extension of Waterford Greenway from Dungarvan to Lismore
Cllr John Pratt made the comments regarding the Waterford Greenway at a recent meeting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District
A local councillor has clarified his position on the potential extension of the Waterford Greenway from Dungarvan to Lismore.
Labour Party councillor John Pratt, who is the Cathaoirleach of the Dungarvan-Lismore District, made the comments at the November meeting of the district.
Cllr Pratt said he received a “very strong email” regarding comments he made calling for the extension of the Greenway at the previous meeting of the district.
He described the email as “very long and detailed” and said it was sent to all local councillors and TDs.
Cllr Pratt continued: “Specifically mentioning Cllr Pratt on a number of occasions within the email, it suggests that I’m advocating for the CPO of land, which I never mentioned.
“I think if I was to go over the [minutes], what I asked for was that we would relook at the potential to continue [the Greenway].
“Even if we could do it in small sections, I think it would be beneficial for the rest of the county. I just felt it would be remiss of me not to bring it up today.”
He continued by acknowledging the impact that such a development could have on residents in the area.
“I would also like to say that I have met with people on the ground as well and farmers and I don’t in any way want to upset anyone’s livelihood.
“It’s important for me to say that and I had a good relationship with the people on the ground prior to the last election when I was advocating for the Greenway and extension of it.
“I just felt that I had to come back on that and say I will continue to advocate for it but also be very cognizant of people’s livelihoods, people who live in homes that might be affected by it.”
Cllr Pratt also highlighted a quote within the email that stated: “If the Mallow-Dungarvan Greenway has been found no longer viable, will someone please have the decency to tell the affected families and release us from another decade of torment.”
In response to this, the Cathaoirleach outlined his belief that the project had not gone away as suggested.
“It’s not gone I don’t think. There’s no funding at the moment but that’s the type of email I received.”
“I’m a long time as a councillor now and I will not be stymied by any group, to be honest with you,” he concluded.
Conor O’Neill, Economic Development Officer at Waterford City and County Council, subsequently confirmed that the project has not been dropped.
Mr O’Neill said: “Just to clarify that the position hasn’t changed.
“The project hasn’t completely gone away, there just isn’t current funding in the pot for it at the moment.
“It’s not high on the list of priorities for TII but it hasn’t gone away.”