Galway Bay fm newsroom:
Minister of State and Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon is urging supporters of the Western Rail Trail to support the project as part of their input to a wider survey on rural Ireland.
The public online survey is part of a consultation process to develop a whole-of-Government policy on rural Ireland for the next five years.
The new policy sets out to take account of demographic and social trends within rural communities with increased focus on the changing nature of work, the effects of Brexit and climate action.
Minister Cannon says the survey also presents an opportunity for supporters of the Western Rail Trail to promote their belief in the benefits derived from a greenway.
He adds it can also be used to allow supporters of the proposal for the Quiet Man Greenway to promote the project as one that could transform East Galway.
The Department of Rural and Community Development has launced the survey as part of the whole-of-Government policy for rural Ireland 2020-2025.
Minister Cannon said the survey can help drive rural development:
