The emerging route corridor put forward by Cork County Council for the Cork to Kinsale Greenway is “totally unsuitable” as it runs through privately-owned farmland, the IFA has said.
Over 100 farmers, TDs and local county councillors attended a recent meeting on the preferred route, with many of these of voicing opposition to the amenity development plans.
Head of the IFA’s infrastructure project team Paul O’Brien said that the council’s approach of attempting to use just privately-owned lands for the greenway without seeking to use state-owned lands contradicts the Government’s 2018 strategy on greenways.
“The strategy was clear in stating that the preferred model for future greenways is to use lands already in the undisputed ownership or control of the State, either through Government agencies, Government departments or local authorities,” O’Brien said.
Proposed route options for the Cork-Kinsale Greenway.
“Greenways should maximise the use of State-owned lands and minimise the use of private farmlands. On the Cork to Kinsale Greenway, the council have explained that there are little or no State-owned lands in the emerging preferred route corridor,” he added.
Blow to viability
O’Brien’s discontent with the plans were echoed by the IFA’s Munster chair Conor O’Leary, who said that the move poses the potential to destroy the viability of some farms that would be left split if the development goes ahead.
The Munster chair has told Cork County Council the IFA remains opposed to any amenity projects that would fragment farms or lead to compulsory purchase orders for affected farmers.
“Some parts of the proposed greenway route being considered is planned to follow the old, abandoned railway line,” O’Leary said.
“[The] IFA pointed out that this abandoned railway is now part of private farmland and is actively farmed with developments including roadways and farmyards and such a route is totally unsuitable for a greenway.”
O’Leary said that the council has agreed to carry out a “total review of the entire greenway project” on foot of the objections raised by farmers and the wider rural community.
The body will accept submissions on the plans until 29 August and the IFA has is encouraged all farmers and landowners in the area to make a submission.
Further concern
The IFA’s concerns with the development extend beyond the land acquisitions needed to facilitate the preferred route.
The association flagged concerns with the TB risk associated with the project’s displacement of wildlife, as well as alarm with potential losses to privacy, increased littering and reduced security.
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The emerging route corridor put forward by Cork County Council for the Cork to Kinsale Greenway is “totally unsuitable” as it runs through privately-owned farmland, the IFA has said.
Over 100 farmers, TDs and local county councillors attended a recent meeting on the preferred route, with many of these of voicing opposition to the amenity development plans.
Head of the IFA’s infrastructure project team Paul O’Brien said that the council’s approach of attempting to use just privately-owned lands for the greenway without seeking to use state-owned lands contradicts the Government’s 2018 strategy on greenways.
“The strategy was clear in stating that the preferred model for future greenways is to use lands already in the undisputed ownership or control of the State, either through Government agencies, Government departments or local authorities,” O’Brien said.
Proposed route options for the Cork-Kinsale Greenway.
“Greenways should maximise the use of State-owned lands and minimise the use of private farmlands. On the Cork to Kinsale Greenway, the council have explained that there are little or no State-owned lands in the emerging preferred route corridor,” he added.
Blow to viability
O’Brien’s discontent with the plans were echoed by the IFA’s Munster chair Conor O’Leary, who said that the move poses the potential to destroy the viability of some farms that would be left split if the development goes ahead.
The Munster chair has told Cork County Council the IFA remains opposed to any amenity projects that would fragment farms or lead to compulsory purchase orders for affected farmers.
“Some parts of the proposed greenway route being considered is planned to follow the old, abandoned railway line,” O’Leary said.
“[The] IFA pointed out that this abandoned railway is now part of private farmland and is actively farmed with developments including roadways and farmyards and such a route is totally unsuitable for a greenway.”
O’Leary said that the council has agreed to carry out a “total review of the entire greenway project” on foot of the objections raised by farmers and the wider rural community.
The body will accept submissions on the plans until 29 August and the IFA has is encouraged all farmers and landowners in the area to make a submission.
Further concern
The IFA’s concerns with the development extend beyond the land acquisitions needed to facilitate the preferred route.
The association flagged concerns with the TB risk associated with the project’s displacement of wildlife, as well as alarm with potential losses to privacy, increased littering and reduced security.
Read more
Galway farmer granted permission to challenge greenway purchase decision
Louth farmers to protest over proposed greenway
SHARING OPTIONS