Ulster Farmers’ Union members voice opposition to proposed new Doagh to Larne greenway

The council has received correspondence from the Ulster Farmers’ Union indicating opposition by members residing and working in Antrim and Newtownabbey to any project which could “lead to loss of viable farmland”.

The local authority  is currently considering the development of a £3.9m walking and cycling route from Doagh to Larne.

The correspondence from the UFU has also raised concerns over restrictions, governance, access issues, trespass issues and liability issues.

Members of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Operations Committee, which meets on Monday evening, have been told: “UFU have asked that the council fully engages with the UFU and their members and landowners when progressing with plans for any potential new greenway.”

The Doagh to Larne greenway is one of eight schemes across four local government authority areas in Northern Ireland which have been earmarked for development.

The 26-kilometre corridor would take in Ballyclare, Ballynure and Millbrook providing a safe pathway for cycling and walking.

It would follow the former railway links between Belfast and Ballyclare and the old Ballymena and Larne railway linking into the former railhead at Doagh.

A public consultation on feasibility took place last January.

Recently, a spokesperson for the council said: “Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council recognises the impact of greenways for connectivity, sustainability and health for our local communities, and there has been significant development within our borough in recent years including the Newtownabbey Way, parts of the Lough Neagh Cycleway, and the Antrim Town Loop.

“On the Doagh to Larne scheme, a feasibility study was carried out and in July 2018, following a grant from the Department for Infrastructure, both Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council jointly progressed the project to technical design stage.

“Initial consultation was carried out on those proposals and they were positively received by local landowners.”

In addition to the proposed Doagh to Larne greenway, the council has highlighted to the Department for Infrastructure an interest in progressing a  pedestrian route from the Hightown Road through the centre of Glengormley to Gideon’s Green, a boardwalk in Antrim linking the town centre to the Lough Shore Park and a route from Crumlin to Glenavy.

In June,  the Infrastructure Minister committed £20 million for “blue/green infrastructure” and to working with all council areas in “identifying and delivering active travel and greenway projects”.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

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