·         Consideration and approval of Section 85 Agreement between Roscommon County Council and Leitrim County Council in respect of the Lough Key Greenway Scheme.

Director of Services Mark Keaveney advised that approval was being sought for the Section 85 Agreement between Roscommon County Council and Leitrim County Council in respect of the Lough Key Greenway Scheme.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan welcomed the initiative, describing the greenway as a valuable asset for the county and surrounding areas. He emphasised the importance of the agreement and the need to progress the project without delay.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan also extended congratulations to Cllr. Michéal Frain on his recent appointment as Chairperson of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.

Members expressed broad support for the project and raised the following points:

·         It was highlighted that there are already a vast amount of people visiting the area but there is an issue with visitors solely staying in Lough Key Forest Park on their stay. This greenway could hopefully address this and encourage visitors to explore the surrounding area.

·         The scheme has significant potential to boost tourism and stimulate economic activity in the county.

·         Queries were raised regarding future connectivity between existing and planned greenway routes, with suggestions to extend the route to additional areas.

·         The growing popularity of activity-based holidays and leisure tourism was noted.

·         Concerns were raised regarding the lack of hotel accommodation in the Boyle area.

·         The importance for consultation with local communities, particularly farmers was emphasised.

·         It was enquired if there were plans to connect Tarmonbarry to the Royal Canal Greenway in Cloondra Village which is 1km from Tarmonbarry and the need for a boardwalk across the old weir.

In response, Mr. Keaveney provided the following updates:

·         Regarding connectivity, there is an overall plan to link the greenways both for tourism development and to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for local communities.

·         Currently the Council are working on a greenway to connect to the Galway to Dublin national route. One of those routes is from Athlone to Ballyleague/Lanesboro, a second route going from Ballyleague/Lanesboro to Tarmonbarry/Rooskey/Strokestown (utilising the Bord na Móna rail lines) These routes are envisioned to link with Lough Key and further extend to Carrick-on-Shannon.

·         The greenway will also tie in with key Roscommon County Council projects such as the Lough Key Forest Park redevelopment and the Hodson Bay Project. Both these projects are being supported by Just Transition funding.

·         It is intended that the routes will connect with the National Famine Way (which links Strokestown to Dublin and is being promoted by Roscommon County Council and several other local authorities) and the Táin Trail, which is currently being reimagined by Louth County Council.

·         Roscommon County Council is also collaborating with Fáilte Ireland on the Beara-Breifne Way, which will traverse West Roscommon from Ballaghaderreen to Boyle and Cootehall.

·         It is hoped that funding for these projects can be secured in the coming years, with strong cooperation from local communities.

·         With regard to the proposed connection from Tarmonbarry to the Royal Canal Greenway at Cloondra, this project is at an early stage. The Council collaborated with Longford County Council to seek funding, which has been approved, and they are currently at design phase.

·         The Council is also engaging with Waterways Ireland on the potential for a River Shannon crossing via the weir. This initiative is in its initial stages.

·         Assurances were given that efforts are being made to strongly promote Boyle alongside Lough Key Forest Park.

Chief Executive Shane Tiernan added that he had recently met with the CEO of Waterways Ireland and discussed the aforementioned projects. He noted that partnership would be essential for securing funding and he noted the engagement was positive.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Moylan

            SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED that Pursuant to Section 85 of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended), Roscommon County Council hereby agrees to make and enter into an Agreement with Leitrim County Council whereby Roscommon County Council will exercise and perform all the powers, functions and duties which may be (i) exercised or capable of being exercised and (ii) performed or capable of being performed by Leitrim County Council in connection with the Lough Key Greenway Scheme. It is hereby resolved under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) to make and enter into this Agreement with Leitrim County Council.