Greenway would be 'economic lifeline'

FUNDING for a greenway on the old railway line from Tuam to Athenry will be available from government and the likelihood of trains returning to the track is remote.

That's the view of Galway East's Junior Minister Ciaran Cannon who is writing to all of Galway's 39 County Councillors urging them to support the proposal to seek funds to carry out a feasability study on transforming the disused railway line into a cycling and walking route. The greenway proposal has met with opposition from some councillors and public representatives who are adamant that the railway line shouldn't be touched as it would hinder the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor from Sligo to Tuam. A vote on a previous proposal that went before councillors to ask government for money to carry out a study on the railway route idea fell by a single vote. However, in the interim a strong community-led campaign has been lobbying councillors and deputies to support another vote on the motion which will come before members on September 25.