Dispute over proposed Galway to Oughterard Greenway shows need to keep old train lines in public ownership

Landowners in parts of Connemara, Moycullen, Rosscahill and Oughterard have raised their concerns over the proposed Galway to Oughterard Greenway Route saying that there has been almost no discussion process in connection to the proposed cycleway.

The greenway, if built, would permit cyclists to cycle along a devoted cycling way from Galway City to Oughterard, something that local people welcome but are concerned as they say most of it is being directed through private property. Some portion of the greenway would run along a section of old railroad line and landowners said this is currently private property which they legitimately own.

The much of the route was formerly the Galway Clifden railway lane which is closed since 1935 and was bought back by the landowners. This demonstrates the need for the state to protect other public rights of ways for future uses rather than letting encroachments into these lands.

According to the Galway Independent farmers along the route say that the greenway will cut off farms, see houses demolished and impact on access to homes and landowners. As with the Dublin Galway greenway they also say there has been little or no consultation with them by either Galway County Council or the Minister for the Environment.