There has been another positive development for the proposed Sligo to Enniskillen Greenway, with new funding announced to help move the ambitious cross-border project forward.

The route is one of four projects to benefit from the Government’s Shared Island Greenways Development Fund, which is designed to support the planning and development of greenway projects that strengthen connections between communities on both sides of the border. Funding has been confirmed for work taking place during 2026 and 2027.

A Significant Step Forward

While this announcement does not mean construction is about to begin, it is an important milestone.

Large greenway projects take years to deliver and require extensive planning, environmental assessments, route design, consultation and funding before construction can commence. Securing funding for these early stages is often one of the biggest hurdles.

The Sligo to Enniskillen Greenway has the potential to become one of Ireland’s most significant cross-border cycling and walking routes, linking County Sligo with County Fermanagh while opening up new tourism and recreation opportunities for communities along the route.

Benefits Beyond Tourism

Greenways are far more than visitor attractions.

Projects such as this can provide:

• Safe walking and cycling infrastructure for local communities.
• Sustainable transport links between towns and villages.
• New opportunities for local businesses including cafés, accommodation providers and bike hire operators.
• Increased tourism spending across the wider region.
• Stronger cross-border connections and collaboration.

The Department of Transport has said the projects have the potential to encourage visitors to explore more of the region, extend their stay and generate greater economic benefits for local communities.

Long Road Ahead

As with all major infrastructure projects, there is still considerable work to do before the greenway becomes a reality.

Planning, landowner engagement, environmental studies and detailed design will all form part of the next phases. However, securing funding keeps the momentum moving in the right direction and demonstrates continued Government support for developing an all-island greenway network.

Greenways Ireland

We’ll continue following the progress of the Sligo Greenway and bring you updates as new milestones are reached.

It’s encouraging to see another important step taken towards creating what could become one of Ireland’s flagship cross-border greenways.