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Irish Independent

New report highlights ‘transformative potential' of Sligo to Enniskillen Greenway project

The report, titled 'An economic vision for the Sligo to Enniskillen Greenway (SLNCR)' is designed as a working document to inform future planning and funding strategies, rather than a fixed plan or guarantee of outcomes. The report was developed by Sligo County Council as lead, in partnership with Leitrim County Council, Cavan County Council, and Fermanagh/Omagh District Council. The study, funded under a successful application to the Shared Island Development funding initiative, and prepared by Urban Foresight, highlights the proposed greenway's potential to support rural development, sustainable tourism, and local enterprise along the route. It offers a practical framework for how local authorities, businesses, and communities might plan for and respond to the potential opportunities which may be presented by the project. While the greenway infrastructure is still at an early stage, the economic vision allows early considerations develop for business and communities in the region to look at possible projects and enterprises linked with the greenway on transport, accommodation, food, and other local and cultural facilities and experiences. It should be noted that the study is not taking any position on route selection and is focusing only on the opportunities that could emerge from a greenway. The report highlights how the SLNCR Greenway can become a powerful engine for sustainable rural development by attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and opening new investment opportunities. 'This greenway is not just a route—it's a pathway to economic and community revitalisation,' said Cllr Casserly. 'It offers a unique opportunity to connect towns and villages, attract new types of visitors, and create vibrant local economies.' The greenway will likely cater to a wide range of users, from families and casual walkers to more serious cyclists, with particular focus on ebikes—a rapidly growing sector that suits the region's terrain and accessibility goals. Key opportunities identified for local businesses include: New footfall for cafés, pubs, and restaurants near the route, increased demand for bike hire, ebike services, and accessible cycling, opportunities for tour operators and activity providers, boosts to accommodation, transport services, and retail and spillover benefits for attractions, events, and remote working tourism. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more To maximise its impact, the report identifies nine key conditions for success, including strong branding, public-private collaboration, enhanced cycling and transport infrastructure, cultural investment, and protection of the natural environment. 'This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,' said Cllr Casserly. 'We must work together—local councils, communities, and businesses—to ensure the SLNCR Greenway delivers lasting social and economic benefits.' Cllr Casserly also welcomed the report's call for a clear marketing strategy and a strong, unified brand that highlights the greenway's identity as an 'accessible wilderness'—a place for healthy, family-friendly, sustainable adventure. Public engagement will play a central role in naming and shaping the route, with a transparent process to ensure community voices are heard and reflected in the final identity. Cllr Casserly added: 'The SLNCR Greenway will be more than a journey through our landscape—it will be a journey towards a stronger, greener, more connected regional economy.' This project is to provide a greenway from Sligo town to Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, passing through Collooney, Ballintogher, Dromahair, Manorhamilton, Glenfarne, Blacklion, Belcoo and Letterbreen on the way. The project is named after the Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) which operated as a 75 km railway line linking Enniskillen in Co. Fermanagh to Collooney, Co. Sligo where it connected with the Sligo-Dublin line. The report has now been made public and copies are available through the Local Community Development Committee of Sligo County Council.