Delivering Ireland’s Greenways
Image from the ‘Code of Best Practice National and Regional Greenways’
Delivering Ireland’s Greenways
Ireland has been developing a network of greenway routes over the past decade. The development of these greenways typically involves a four-part public consultation process, which ensures that local communities and other stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process and have a say in the development of the greenway. The four stages of the public consultation process are concept development, route selection, route design, and construction and operation.
Concept development is the first stage of the process and involves developing the initial concept for the greenway, including identifying potential routes, assessing the feasibility of the project, and considering the potential impact on the local environment and communities. Once the concept has been developed, the next stage is route selection. This typically involves consulting with local communities and other stakeholders to gather feedback and assess the potential impact of the route. Once a preferred route has been identified, the next stage is route design, which involves developing detailed designs for the greenway, including infrastructure such as cycle lanes, signage, and rest areas. This stage also involves assessing the environmental impact of the greenway and ensuring that the design is accessible to all users. The final stage of the process is construction and operation, which involves coordinating with local authorities, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure that the greenway is built to the required standards and that it is safe and enjoyable for users.
The costs associated with developing greenways can vary widely depending on the length and complexity of the greenway, the extent of infrastructure required, and the level of consultation and community engagement undertaken. For example, the development of the Great Western Greenway in County Mayo, which is approximately 42 kilometers long, reportedly cost around €5.7 million. The Waterford Greenway, which is approximately 46 kilometers long, reportedly cost around €15 million to develop.
It's worth noting that the costs associated with developing a greenway are not limited to construction and design expenses. Ongoing maintenance, repair, and management of the greenway also incur costs for county councils, as well as promoting and marketing the greenway to potential users.
The costs specific to the public consultation process of delivering greenways can vary depending on the scope and scale of the consultation process. The typical costs associated with public consultation in the development of greenways include staffing costs, venue and equipment costs, printing and promotional materials, online platform costs, and translation costs. However, public consultation costs are typically only a small portion of the overall cost of delivering a greenway.
While the costs of public consultation can vary by project, some county councils in Ireland have published information on the public consultation process and associated costs for their greenway projects. For example, the development of the Waterford Greenway involved an extensive public consultation process, including a series of public meetings and online surveys. According to Waterford City and County Council, the total cost of public consultation for the project was around €50,000. Similarly, Mayo County Council has published information on the costs associated with public consultation for the Great Western Greenway. The council states that the public consultation process for the project, which involved a series of public meetings and workshops, cost around €20,000. Cork County Council, Limerick City and County Council, and Sligo County Council have also published information on the costs associated with the public consultation process for their greenway projects.
Developing a network of greenway routes is a complex and costly - but wholly necessary - undertaking for county councils in Ireland. The public consultation process is an essential component of this process, ensuring that local communities and other stakeholders have a say in the development of the greenway. The costs associated with public consultation are only a portion of the overall cost of delivering a greenway, but are an important investment in ensuring that the greenway is well-received by local communities and other stakeholders.
The Public Consultation Institute of Ireland (PCII) is committed to engaging citizens and empowering communities through the use of emerging technologies, which are transforming how the Government and citizens communicate and interact. PCII’s mission is to bring more people into the public participatory process. Not only will this expand informed public engagement, early studies suggest that it is likely to enhance the diversity and quality of partipation. View a list of public consultations currently open at www.publicconsultation.ie