Consultation set to open on 'world class' Greenway passing through west Cavan

Cycle path follows the old railway line between Enniskillen and sligo

The plan for the greenway linking Enniskillen to Sligo via West Cavan is set to go out for public consultation from next week.

Under the cumbersome name of Sligo, Leitrim, Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) Greenway the plan will open up a circa 70km "world class" cycle path from Enniskillen to Sligo.

The path follows the old railway line through Letterbreen, Belcoo, Blacklion, Glenfarne, Manorhamilton, Dromahair, Ballintogher, Collooney.

The tourism initiative is led by Leitrim County Council as the county hosting the largest section of the route, which is arguably one of the most scenic routes in Ireland.

The section of the route traversing west Cavan is limited to approximately 7km from Blacklion to Glenfarne. However in that short section, cyclists will pass near to Cuilcagh, the Shannon Pot and the Cavan Burren.

The public notice advertising the consultation promises: "The development of the SLNCR Greenway will attract domestic and international visitors to come, explore and stay in the region. The surrounding areas contain attractive scenery and an opportunity for users to interact with nature whilst benefiting from outdoor activity."

The project is currently at 'phase 1 concept and feasibility' stage.

Public consultation on the study area and constraints will run from Monday, January 16 to Friday, February 10. Three events will also be hosted, the nearest at The Rainbow Ballroom, Glenarne (F91 RK54) on January 25, and Community Centre Belcoo (BT93 4EA) on January 26, both events running from 10.30am-8pm.

Full details are published in today's Anglo-Celt newspaper on p9.