Frequently Asked Questions

The Council provides full indemnity to landowners and farmers against any actions, claims, or demands arising from the acquisition, construction, and use of their land for the Greenway, ensuring comprehensive protection and peace of mind.

Stockproof fencing will be installed where required to prevent trespass and ensure the safety of both the public and livestock. All fencing and boundary treatments will be tailored to the specific needs of the landowner or farmer through consultation and agreement, with installation and ongoing maintenance carried out by the Council.

In most cases, the greenway can be aligned along farm boundaries, minimizing or completely avoiding any potential severance of farmland.

Where feasible, the Greenway is designed to avoid crossing private access roads or driveways. Where this is unavoidable, the project team will work closely with the affected property or landowner to agree on an appropriate solution. The design will prioritize the health and safety of all users and fully comply with Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s standards and requirements.

The Greenway route is designed to minimise proximity to houses and farm buildings where feasible. In areas requiring additional privacy, tailored screening solutions, including hedges, fences, or similar measures, will be implemented to address residents’ and landowners’ concerns effectively.

The Greenway will not create additional planning restrictions on adjacent farmland. If a farmer or landowner, after contributing land for the Greenway, wishes to expand their holding by acquiring or leasing land on the opposite side, the local authority will work to facilitate suitable access arrangements across the Greenway to connect the properties.

The Greenway will be managed and maintained by the local authority, with measures informed by successful strategies from other projects. Close collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Gardaí, will ensure any issues of nuisance, crime, or anti-social behavior are effectively addressed.

The Greenway is designed to coexist with normal agricultural activities, ensuring it does not create additional restrictions on the day-to-day use of adjoining farmland.

The local authority will adhere to all relevant regulations under the Department of Agriculture’s Disease Eradication Scheme. To mitigate risks from dogs, only those on a lead will be permitted on the Greenway.

The following enclosed documents provide information on payments and compensation for voluntary land acquisition for the Greenway:

• Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways: This document outlines the principles and standards applied to compensation.
• Summary Table of Greenway Sustainability Payment Mechanisms: This table details the available payment categories and criteria.

An independent Professional Valuer, appointed by the Landowner, is best placed to provide advice on entitlements and ensure accurate assessment and submission of claims.

Mayo County Council will cover reasonable and necessary professional costs incurred by property owners as a direct result of the proposed land acquisition for Greenways. This includes fees associated with transferring clean, marketable title, completing the Deed of Transfer, and addressing abbreviated title queries. Additionally, the Council will cover agent fees for negotiating and finalizing land acquisition terms, including details of any agreed accommodation works.

The next steps for the proposed greenway involve making the services of Mayo County Council’s valuer, O’Toole & Co., available to individual landowners. Landowners can now engage in discussions about accommodation works along the greenway with Mayo County Council, supported by their independent valuers or property advisors. The voluntary land acquisition process will commence, allowing farmers and landowners to involve their own agronomists or property advisors for one-to-one consultations and negotiations.

The project team is currently working towards the following timeline: The Voluntary Land Acquisition Process is scheduled to begin in Q1 2025. Detailed design development, alongside consultations with individual landowners, will continue throughout 2025. Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2026.

The preliminary Greenway design is being developed into a detailed design in accordance with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) standards and guidelines. Efforts are being made to avoid houses and farm buildings where feasible. Where proximity cannot be avoided, appropriate screening measures, such as hedges, fences, or other suitable solutions, will be incorporated to ensure privacy.

Mayo County Council, as the competent authority, has conducted an Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening and concluded that a Stage 2 AA is not necessary for this development.

Additionally, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening determined that the proposed development is unlikely to have significant environmental effects, and therefore, a full EIA is not required.

The proposed Cashel to Bunacurry scheme forms part of the Great Western Greenway, a flagship high-capacity route. Mayo County Council is committed to enhancing the Greenway’s accessibility and appeal by exploring potential connections to local villages, schools, sports grounds, and other amenities, subject to feasibility assessments, funding availability, and alignment with Active Travel objectives.

The Greenway has been designed to minimise road crossings wherever possible. Where crossings are unavoidable, they will be designed to meet Transport Infrastructure Ireland standards and undergo independent safety audits both before and after construction.

Mayo County Council, through its appointed valuer (O’Toole & Co.), has invited all landowners to engage in Voluntary Land Acquisition Agreement negotiations. The Greenway Sustainability Payment (GSP) will be payable upon the opening of the greenway, provided a Voluntary Land Acquisition Agreement has been signed and the landowner’s solicitor has submitted satisfactory proof of good title. The GSP is a distinct payment and is not deducted from the separate compensation for land acquisition, which is negotiated individually.