Fears of walkway in Leitrim being “ruined”

The ongoing problem of an “eyesore” beside Cloone GAA grounds was highlighted

Published 27th May 2026, 13:00 BST The scene along the roadside in Cloone, earlier this year. | None The ongoing problem of an “eyesore” beside Cloone GAA grounds was highlighted Sign up to our Leitrim Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Leitrim Live within your account.

The ongoing problem of an “eyesore” beside Cloone GAA grounds was highlighted at this week's meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District.

€220,000 was allocated recently to the Bothar na Naomh walk, which will be situated in and around Cloone GAA.

However, the risk of this walkway being affected by the “current activities of fixing vehicles in front and opposite Cloone park” was highlighted by Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn (FG) in a motion.

“Can we establish that this route will not be impeded by the current activities of fixing vehicles in and front and opposite Cloone Park?” her motion stated.

“I would be seeking assurance from the environmental and planning section that the walkway will not be ruined by the commercial activity being undertaken,” she told the meeting.

“The community in the area are upset by this activity,” she added.

She went on to say that “pedestrians have to walk the other side because of muck.”

Cllr Enda McGloin supported the motion. He told the meeting thst despite being based in Drumshanbo, he has received “representations from people who are very angry about the ugly sight in this area.”

“Cloone GAA grounds is the second inter-county ground in the county. Cloone GAA have expressed concern about this. Cloone is a beautiful village,” he stated.

Cllr Paddy O'Rourke also supported the motion. “The vista there is not going to encourage people to walk there. Perhaps a hoarding with defined entry would be in order,” he commented.

Cllr Róisín Kenny also supported the motion. “It is an eyesore there at present. I would also be concerned about the threat to the river,” she stated.

Cathaoirleach Gary Prior said that “perhaps we can get an update at the July meeting.”

A written reply from the council stated, “No planning application seeking to deliver this project has been submitted to date. The garage structure is the subject of an enforcement notice.

“This related to in stream works to the Cloone River. This remains in force and is being adhered to. The planning authority will seek an update from Inland Fisheries Ireland who are required to outline what remedial works are required, “ the reply stated.

“The planning authority are not aware that the area between the R201 Regional Road and Cloone GAA boundary wall, which consists of car parking was dedicated to the Roads Authority as a public road.

“Any issues arising of car parking illegally within this area would be a matter for the landowner to address, namely Cloone GAA.

There are no cars being parked illegally on the side of the road where the garage is located,” the reply added.

Related topics: Cloone GAA Council Sign up to our Leitrim Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Leitrim Live within your account.