Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the Wild Atlantic Way and the greenway cycle tracks, we are entering a new phase with the track from Dublin to Galway. We should step back a little and listen to the views of people in various areas who do not wish to have farms divided. I encourage the Minister to urge the officials who are dealing with it to take a common sense attitude. At present, resentment is emerging from Athlone to Ballinasloe and Galway, which is not good. In fact, I have met groups of farmers who could help to solve the problem, and perhaps in a more economical way, if people would listen to them. The Minister should take their views on board and work with them, rather than adopt the attitude of saying the Department has compulsory purchase order, CPO, power and can go where it wishes. That will not work, and the farmers have made that clear. I ask the Minister to take that on board when he is dealing with this issue.