Protesting landowners yesterday blocked off access to the walking and cycling route known as the Great Western Greenway between Mulranny and Achill Island because of a dispute with Mayo County Council.
The farmers claim the local authority is in breach of an agreement to erect “no parking” and “no entry” signs in front of gates in the Owenduff/Tonragee area. They also claim sheep are spilling off surrounding commonage and wandering on to private property because of a lack of fencing.
John Corrigan, a spokesman for the farmers, said gates had been closed denying access to the public because the council had “dilly-dallied” in implementing measures to secure the greenway and make it safer.
“The gates will not be opened until the local authority fulfils its promises,” he said.
No one from Mayo County Council was available to comment yesterday.