Replying to a parliamentary question from Green Party TD Eamon Ryan on the development of the greenway pedestrian and cycle route from Athlone to Galway, a development which was halted in the wake of a report detailing landowners’ concerns, Minister for Transport Shane Ross said that the initial approach to the route was sub-optimal.

“It is recognised that the approach taken initially in relation to the preferred route was sub-optimal and lessons have been learned from that experience,” he told Ryan.

The minister added that his department is currently developing a new strategy to set out a cohesive approach to the development of greenways generally and it will be consulting publicly on this in the near future.

The strategy will include an approach to be taken by authorities where engagement and consultation with landowners is required

“The strategy will include a recommended approach to be taken by authorities and agencies tasked with delivering greenway infrastructure where engagement and consultation with landowners is required,” he continued, “and when finalised will inform the approach to be taken to progress the delivery of the Athlone to Galway section of the Dublin to Galway Greenway.”

The minister added that consultation on the detailed route between Athlone and Galway will take place later this year and will be informed by the new strategy when it is finalised.

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