Minister for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciaran Cannon, has said opposition to Quiet Man Greenway project is "dwindling" because there is a far broader understanding of the Greenway's economic prospects.
Deputy Cannon made the comments after Tuam Municipal District and Athenry/Oranmore Municipal District unanimously backed the project on Monday.
Deputy Cannon is encouraging those who still doubt the Greenway's potential to look at the Greenways that are already in place around Ireland and at the testimony of the local people and businesses who are "benefitting tenfold".
Minister Cannon said; "In a matter of little more than three days, the very many supporters of the Quiet Man Greenway have had as many reasons to rejoice, beginning with the move taken by the Galway County Council's executive to seek funding specifically for the Greenway route from Athenry to Milltown. On Monday, Tuam Municipal District voted unanimously in favour of the route, Athenry/Oranmore Municipal District has given overwhelming support.
"A clearer understanding of the need to take the feasibility study on one hand and the rail review on the other and decide in a thoroughly informed manner which is economically viable and which is not. To bank on the rail review by itself and neglect to undertake the feasibility study would be the regional economic equivalent of setting out on a long journey on an unknown road and hoping that half a tank of fuel will take you to the next petrol station.
"We have a duty to future generations in East Galway and we cannot take that risk.
"In light of the developments with the executive of the county council and the support from the municipal districts mentioned, I encourage those who still doubt the Greenway's potential to look at the Greenways that are already in place around Ireland and at the testimony of the local people and businesses who are benefitting tenfold."
