Farmers in Waterford have been expressing their concerns over the proposed Dungarvan to Mallow Greenway.
The 74km long Greenway is set to link to the towns and villages of Cappoquin, Lismore, Ballyduff, Clondulane, Fermoy, Ballyhooly and Killavullen. It is proposed that it will generally follow the route of the old Dungarvan to Mallow railway line with detours yet to be confirmed.
The Irish Farming Association (IFA) highlighted the concerns of farmers along the route considering most of the old railway line is no longer in public ownership and has been re-purchased by farmers over the years.
Opening your farm to allow the Greenway to pass through it could end up endangering its future, according to Waterford IFA County Chair, John Heffernan, who was part of a recent delegation to meet with Waterford and Cork County Councils.
"People who have had their homes for generations back in a very quiet, rural, peaceful part of the world and when you bring the Greenway into the situation you're opening it up to people from everywhere," John said.
A number of important issues and concerns for farmers including the loss of privacy with Greenways, crossings, litter, animal disease and wildlife implications around developments were raised by the IFA.
Further engagement is needed with farmers and landowners before a route is finalised as the IFA has said it is opposed to any severance of farms or compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) for amenity projects like Greenways.
"Nobody wants a Greenway running through their garden, or the front of their house, or down through the middle of their farm," John told WLR.
A feasibility study is currently underway and a preferred route is expected to be announced in a final report before May next year. The report will also outline a full cost analysis.
There will be another stage between November and December this year, providing affected farmers and the public with the opportunity to make a submission on the project.
For more Waterford news, click here.
