The Athenry-Tuam-Milltown (ATM ) greenway committee is due to submit a strong proposal in response to the invitation for submissions as part of the public consultation.
On Monday May 22, Transport Minister Shane Ross published a public consultation paper on a “Strategy for the Future Development of Greenways”, and is inviting submissions from interested parties on the issues raised in the paper by July 14.
“I’m delighted to publish this public consultation paper which aims to seek the views of all those interested in the development of greenways in Ireland,” said Minister Ross.
The paper poses a number of questions to prompt further debate on the issue and also discusses an overarching strategy for the future development of greenways.
The public consultation paper sets out the policy context for Government investment in greenways, including their value from an economic, health, community and rural and regional regeneration perspective.
It also references the significant tourism benefits that can accrue, as well as providing a more sustainable transport option for many communities.
Minister Ross went on to say; “Some of the greenways that have been developed to date have been outstanding success stories for their localities. One of the most well-known, of course, is the Great Western Greenway in Mayo and, more recently, we have seen the level of interest that the Waterford Greenway has garnered since its opening in March this year.
“We have an opportunity to build more greenways throughout Ireland and to provide more localities with the opportunity to benefit from such investment in the same way that communities in Mayo and Waterford have.”
The outcome of this public consultation hopes to forge a new greenways strategy to ensure that future funding is spent on the right projects, in the right areas and at the right time.
Speaking on behalf of the Tuam contingent of the ATM Greenway, committee member Alan McGrath said, “Tuam group will be making a strong submission along with groups from Sligo, Swinford, Charlestown, Kiltimagh and Athenry in our concerted effort to interconnect and create a national greenway routeway.
“In the coming weeks, we will be increasing our efforts to build advocacy for the Athenry-Tuam-Milltown greenway stretch of this greenway in and around the aforementioned areas and we welcome all support for the local community.”
For more information on the activities of the ATM Greenway, you can join their Facebook group by simply using the search words Tuam Greenway on Facebook or you can follow them on Twitter @atmgreenway.
