Engagement sought on North-West Greenway

Plans for the Cavan North-West Greenway, a proposed 40km route linking the Ulster Canal with the Cavan-Leitrim Greenway, remain at a “very, very early stage”, councillors have been told.

However, Cavan County Council says it intends to engage directly with landowners and local communities once the project begins to progress.

The issue was raised at the council’s March meeting by Stiofán Conaty of Sinn Féin, who sought an update on the section intended to connect Cavan Town with the Ulster Canal via Ballyhaise and Redhills.

Cllr Conaty also asked that a council delegation meet with representatives of both communities to discuss the project amid what he described as “some concerns and uncertainty” locally.

Opening his remarks, he described the greenway as an “ambitious and exciting project” that has long been discussed locally, particularly in the Redhills area.

“There is a lot of anticipation for it in the local area,” he said.

“But it is probably correct to say there is a lack of solid information at present, and naturally that brings concerns among the affected communities.”

Cllr Conaty said the greenway “could be transformational” for the areas along its route.

“It could link us with Cavan Town and the Ulster Canal in Clones, as well as with West Cavan, Ballinamore, and even further afield,” he said.

“There could be major benefits - not just as a leisure and wellbeing amenity for cycling and walking - but also as a much-needed corridor for nature.”

However, he acknowledged that concerns remain among landowners, particularly as the proposed route is expected to follow the former Great Northern Railway line.

“In many cases that track now forms part of a public road or runs through fields and farmland that has been worked for generations,” he noted.

The proposal was seconded by Carmel Brady of Fine Gael.

Responding on behalf of the council executive, Director of Services Paddy Connaughton said the authority had received €100,000 in 2026 from Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

While welcome, he said the funding is not sufficient to advance the project in any significant way, but would allow the council to begin tendering for studies to examine possible route options.

“We would be happy to meet the community,” he said, “but we haven’t even got the design yet.”