Farmers’ lobby group calls for a halt to all greenway plans

The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association is calling on Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Minister Darragh O’Brien to immediately suspend all greenway development plans until full engagement takes place with farming organisations and community groups on the code of best practice going forward.

All local landowners, farmers, and concerned members of the public are invited to attend an important meeting regarding current greenway proposals in the Inishowen area.

The public meeting will take place at the Inishowen Co-Op in Carndonagh on Tuesday, November 18 at 8pm, and Inishowen Councillors and representatives from the Donegal County Council greenway team have been invited to listen to the concerns of those present.

Topics for discussion on the evening will include the following: The use of the CPO (Compulsory Purchase Order) for recreational projects; Land fragmentation and impact on farming enterprises; The need for community support and agreement for all routes; Alternatives to current acquisition methods.

INHFA National Vice President John Joe Fitzgerald said the inclusion of CPOs for greenways “should never have happened” and would have been rejected had the INHFA been involved in discussions.

“Even allowing CPOs as a last resort gives agencies the power to use or threaten them far too early in negotiations,” he stated. “Landowners across the country have made it clear that this is now a red-line issue. The Minister and TII must pause all projects and work with stakeholders to rewrite the Code of Best Practice.”

READ NEXT: Mark your calendar for an unforgettable week of shows in Buncrana

Meanwhile, Donegal native Pheilim Molloy has officially succeeded Vincent Roddy as President of the INHFA following the Association’s Annual General Meeting at Strokestown on September 11.

Outgoing President Vincent Roddy congratulated Pheilim on his appointment, highlighting the wealth of experience he brings to the role. Over recent years, Pheilim has played a key role in both policy and organisational development, serving as National Vice President, National Chair, and Donegal County Chair.