MEMBERS of National Greenway Action Association (NGAA), which includes locals in the Ballinhassig area opposed to a proposed route for the Cork to Kinsale Greenway, have welcomed a proposed review of the Greenway Code of Practice.

They were speaking following a peaceful demonstration outside Leinster House last Wednesday, while the Transport Committee debated active travel and greenways inside government buildings, which was also attended by representatives from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

‘The turnout demonstrated strong opposition to the use of the CPOs (Compulsory Purchase Orders) for greenways and non-essential infrastructure,’ said a spokesperson.

There has been huge opposition in the Ballinhassig area in recent months to plans for a proposed route corridor for the controversial Cork to Kinsale Greenway, which would see farms split in half and would involve the use of CPOs.

‘We want to express our appreciation to the entire Oireachtas Transport Committee, chaired by Michael Murphy TD for its willingness to engage with our concerns regarding the Code of Practice for greenway development,’ added the spokesperson.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Michael Murphy said greenways should be a pathway to connection and not about division.

He suggested that they engage with all sides, including local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that they find the right balance in the code of practice between ‘national ambition and local respect.’

NGAA said they are reinforcing their call for communities affected by greenway projects to be afforded genuine and meaningful consultation.

‘This means that property rights and rural livelihoods are protected and no CPOS for greenways. Until such a review is completed, we are calling on the Government to pause all existing Greenway projects throughout the country.’

They said they will continue to work collaboratively with Government agencies, local authorities and communities to deliver greenway infrastructure that is ‘sustainable, community led and fair.’

‘We will monitor closely how the Code of Practice review unfolds and will continue to press for changes that reflect our core principle: greenways as opportunities, not sources of conflict.’

Independent Ireland leader and Cork South West TD Michael Collins, who spoke at the Oireachtas Transport Committee meeting, said that TII must understand that it cannot continue to stand over and legitimise a process that is flawed beyond repair.

‘We all support greenways but we only support their development where they can be delivered in circumstances that do not result in the severing of active farmland and the ruin of farm children’s inheritance,’ said Deputy Collins.

He said TII better get used to the ‘fight being brought to them on this issue’ as he and his party will be standing by with the stakeholder until the threat of CPOs are dropped.

‘If TII had any interest in proceeding respectfully and constructively they would have looked to the Beara Way and the Sheep’s Head Way as a model of that kind of community engagement, but as confirmed to me in Committee, they have chosen not to do so.’