Chairperson of the Rural Ireland Organisation (RIO) and Mayo farmer, Mr Gerry Loftus, has been outspoken about the government’s plan to acquire lands from farmers for greenways.
He describes it as “cheap stunt that is disrespectful to rural Ireland and rural communities”, and said that “the proposal offers a once-off payment to farmers to hand over a right of way through their land that will remain a burden on their land forever more”.
He said the proposal forms part of the Government’s Strategy for the Future Development Of National And Regional Greenways.
Loftus described the proposed one-off payments in the new Code of Best Practice for National And Regional Greenways as a blatant insult to landowners, and advised any farmers who want to know about the proposed payment bands to contact him directly.
RIO is calling for “proper” consultation with people living in rural Ireland about any proposed greenways.
The organisation was of the view that if landowners adopt this proposal, then it is only a matter of time until Compulsory Purchase Orders will apply to build walkways across farmland to access mountains, lakes, beauty spots and more.
Outlining several necessary measures, Mr Loftus said his organisation will only support greenways by permissive access. On those grounds, he said they must be in the right place under the right management. He added that greenways must run close to main roads, and every effort must be made to inconvenience the landowner as little as possible.
RIO is requesting documentary evidence to establish what consultation process has taken place with landowners on this issue.
LSL News.