Protest planned over proposed Carrigans–Lifford Greenway - Donegal Daily

A peaceful protest against the proposed Carrigans–Lifford Greenway is set to take place outside Donegal County Council offices in Lifford today (Tuesday).The de...

A peaceful protest against the proposed Carrigans–Lifford Greenway is set to take place outside Donegal County Council offices in Lifford today (Tuesday).

The demonstration has been organised by the newly formed Carrigans–Lifford Greenway Opposition Group.

Local landowners, farming families and residents are expected to gather to voice concerns about the 18km route and its potential impact on the surrounding area.

The forecasted cost of the development, in 2024, was €15-€20million.

This project is being developed to link to North West Greenway in Lifford and an onwards connection to the Foyle Valley Railway Cycle Route in Derry City.

The opposition group was formed following an IFA meeting in September, with Cathal McGowan as chairman and Alan Thompson as secretary.

Organisers say they want the wider community to hear directly from those whose farms, homes and livelihoods could be affected by the project.

The group has concerns about compulsory purchase, environmental assessments and the need for additional greenway infrastructure in the area alongside existing Lifford–Castlefinn facilities and planned walking and cycling provision on the TEN-T.

The group has also raised serious concerns about long-term maintenance costs and the potential pressure on council budgets, staffing and essential services.

The protest comes as the Carrigans–Lifford Greenway project team progresses consultations with potentially affected landowners.

Landowners within the preferred route corridor have been invited to meetings to discuss possible alignments and the voluntary land agreement process.

"This is only the first step in the design development and Voluntary Land Agreement process, and there will be further consultations and meetings as Phase 3 continues," the project team stated in an October update.

Alan Thompson says the peaceful protest has been arranged to coincide with landowner meetings commencing today.

"Although landowners are being invited to meet individually, we stand together as a united group. This concerns working farms, wildlife, neighbouring homes and the future of the wider Foyle Valley," he said.

The group is calling on Donegal County Council to reconsider the proposal and examine "less disruptive" alternatives.

See more: Greenways can’t be left to decay after opening, councillors warn