Landowners' fears over proposed Clonmel to Thurles Greenway raised at council meeting

A number of landowners with property along the old Clonmel to Thurles rail line under investigation for its suitability to be turned into a greenway, have approached councillors with concerns their land will be compulsory purchased for the project.

But a senior Tipperary County Council manager moved to allay their fears at the council’s monthly meeting in Clonmel last week by stressing that any discussion of compulsory purchasing land along the rail line was premature because the investigations into the feasibility of this project are at a “very early stage”.

Poulmucka based Independent Cllr Andy Moloney and Clonmel Fianna Fáil Cllr Siobhán Ambrose highlighted at the meeting the concerns some landowners with property along the former rail line had contacted them about.

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Cllr Moloney said he had been told by some landowners they had no interest in a greenway going through their land and he asked if Compulsory Purchase Orders were going to used to acquire land along the route.

He said the Clonmel to Thurles Greenway feasibility study currently being carried out was a “waste of time” if there was no consent from landowners.

Cllr Ambrose told the meeting she was contacted by some landowners, who purchased property along the old rail line and some people had built homes on this land. Developing this greenway would have consequences for them.

She pointed out that there were ongoing costs involved with the upkeep of the Suir Blueway between Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir and that should be prioritised before looking at developing a second greenway.

Mayor of Clonmel Cllr Pat English told the council meeting there was a well attended public meeting in Fethard on April 24 about the initial Clonmel to Thurles Greenway Feasibility Study, which proposes a number of proposed routes for the amenity cycle/walkway.

He stressed the project was at a very early stage and there was no question of land being compulsory purchased.

There would have to be agreement reached with people living on certain lands. “It would be a great project going forward and hopefully it will get the support of the council,” he added.

Mullinahone Cllr Kevin O’Meara agreed: “There is no suggestion of CPOs or knocking houses. I think it’s probably scaremongering.” The proposal was just being investigated to see if it was possible, he added.

Tipperary County Council’s Director of Economic, Community & Rural Development Services Brian Beck confirmed the comments of Cllrs English and O’Meara. He explained all greenway proposals have to go through seven phases of investigation and there is substantial consultation with the public during each of those stages.

This Clonmel to Thurles Greenway proposal was at a very early stage and any discussion of compulsory purchasing land was premature. That was not a goal any organisation starts out with and he stressed consultations will continue with residents and landowners.

Mr Beck said greenways bring huge benefits to communities if they are done right but noted that just because a greenway is proposed doesn’t mean it will go ahead.