Extended deadline for greenway submissions

The people of Cavan have been given more time to make their submissions on proposals for the Sligo Leitrim and Northern Counties (SLNCR) Greenway.

The deadline for public submissions has now been extended to Tuesday, June 3.

More than 175 people attended three in-person events in counties Sligo, Leitrim and Fermanagh recently but more public consultation is sought to help planners to identify key constraints and opportunities and to advance the design process of routes.

The SLNCR Greenway is a 75km route to run from Enniskillen in Fermanagh to Sligo town via Leitrim and Cavan.

On its way to Cavan, it will pass through Letterbreen and Belcoo in Fermanagh; Glenfarne, Manorhamilton and Dromahair in Co Leitrim and continue through Sligo at Ballintogher, Ballygawley and Collooney and onwards to Ballysadare and Sligo Town.

The SLNCR Greenway is designed to honour the old railway line linking settlements.

When complete, it should provide a safe space and scenic route for walkers, and cyclists and for tourists to come, explore and stay in the region.

Senior executive engineer to the project, Brendan McKenna from Leitrim County Council, said last week’s in-person meetings were important to planners as "people from the relevant communities provided invaluable local information on everything from farm operations to contours of the land, movement of water and wildlife to traffic”.

While the emerging preferred corridor has now been published, Mr McKenna says it is still important they hear from landowners and stakeholders.

The consultation is being held on the project website www.slncr-greenway.com and features all the information displayed at the in-person events. There are frequently asked questions and opportunity to contact the project team with any queries.“It’s important we hear from local communities and landowners as their insight is invaluable to help inform the design,” Brendan McKenna said.