Majority opposed to Dundalk Bay to Carlingford Greenway

The recently published Public Consultation 2 Feedback Report for the Dundalk Bay to Carlingford Greenway has revealed a significant level of opposition from the local community, with concerns raised over safety, privacy, environmental impact, and land acquisition. The consultation, which ran from June to September 2024, received a huge 1,601 submissions from residents, business owners, and stakeholders within the study area, representing feedback from nearly 18% of the 8,700 residential properties affected.

The consultation process, which included an in-person event at Ballymascanlon Hotel and an online feedback option, generated extensive engagement. Of the submissions received, the majority expressed opposition to the proposed greenway. Nearly 1,408 submissions were hand-delivered by the Protect Cooley Peninsula Group, which also presented a petition signed by over 2,300 individuals against the development.

The feedback report highlights that there is strong opposition to the current proposed routes due to potential disruptions to farming operations, privacy concerns for homeowners, and fears over increased traffic in rural areas. Additionally, nearly 47% of the opposing submissions did not raise specific concerns but simply objected outright to the proposed routes.

Among the major themes emerging from the consultation, safety and security topped the list, with 306 respondents highlighting worries over pedestrian and cyclist safety, crime risks, and emergency access. Privacy concerns (218 submissions) were also a dominant theme, with many landowners opposing potential pathways running close to residential properties. Environmental concerns, including potential damage to biodiversity, watercourses, and local wildlife, were raised in 173 submissions.

Concerns about the feasibility of the project also featured prominently, with local farmers voicing opposition to any route that would cut through working farmland. A total of 108 submissions raised concerns about farming operations being negatively impacted, while 104 submissions specifically addressed issues related to land acquisition. Questions were also raised about insurance liabilities (68 submissions) and maintenance responsibilities (141 submissions).

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Additionally, 137 submissions referenced concerns regarding planning permissions, with fears that the greenway could lead to planning permission being denied on land near the greenway or development that alters the landscape of the area. Flooding and drainage issues were mentioned in 42 submissions, while noise pollution was raised by 33 respondents.

Louth County Council and the project team, including Roughan & O’Donovan – AECOM Alliance, are now set to assess the consultation feedback as they move into the next phase of route selection. According to the report, the project is currently in Phase 2 – Option Selection, where a three-stage assessment process is underway to identify a preferred route. This involves reviewing feedback, conducting environmental assessments, and ensuring compliance with planning guidelines.

A third public consultation will be held to present the emerging preferred route corridor before final decisions are made. The council has said that feedback from the community will be considered in refining the plans and that alternative routes may be explored to address concerns raised.