Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The consultation process for the Dublin to Galway cycleway has been extended. It was due to close on 31 January but has been extended until the end of February. This gives more opportunity for landowners and farmers to engage with our cycleway project team and public liaison officers. Our Fine Gael councillors in Galway engaged with the project team to request an extension. It is so important that we acknowledge these corridors for public consultation.

The only way we can achieve this project is through engagement with our landowners and farmers; it is by consensus. It is very important that our communities recognise that this wonderful project which will deliver for them and their areas is very much thanks to the landowners in our local areas. The primary focus, of course, is on State-owned lands along canal banks and boglands where possible. I would encourage landowners and farmers to have early engagement with the public liaison officers, and also to review the Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways. It was just published in December with input from many stakeholders in this process. The code details accommodation works that can be provided, including erection of walls, gates, fencing, farm crossings and water troughs. It provides information on the greenway sustainability payment. Landowners and farmers can take on their own independent adviser or agronomist. For people who want to find out more, the document can be posted out to families. They can contact the Galway to Athlone cycleway atinfo@galwaytoathlonecycleway.comor by calling 091 509267. Now is the time to find out all the information they need and to engage and make sure we do it by consensus so that the route selected will be of benefit to all in the community.