Council criticised for lack of leadership in dispute over walking trail plan

A local authority has been accused of lacking leadership in a heated row which could scupper plans for a major tourist walking and cycling trail along a disused railway line.

The proposed Great Southern Trail, which would run from Rathkeale in Co Limerick to Fenit in Co Kerry, is at the centre of a stand-off between farmers, walkers and CIÉ, which is adamant it owns the land.

Kerry County Council has declined to apply for grants to develop the trail because it doesn’t want to get involved in what could yet be a legal battle instigated by farmers claiming squatters’ rights to the land.