Work on the Galway to Roscommon cycle greenway has been paused amid concerns about the effects of the project on farming.

The Minister for Transport says his department will now focus on completing the stretch from Maynooth to Westmeath, through Kildare and Meath, which has planning permission in place.

A report by Transport Infrastructure Ireland outlined a number of concerns from farmers and landowners whose land would be affected by the project. Many concerns relate to potential impacts on farmland and on farming operations.

The Department of Transport has said "Due to funding limitations and eagerness by Government to deliver the Dublin to Galway Greenway, a decision has been made to pause the Galway/Roscommon segment of the route and to progress the Kildare/Meath section, which is shovel ready, instead."

Pascal Donohoe said he chose to "pause further development on this part of the Greenway to allow time for all to reflect ... and give consideration to the possibility of developing a new route that works locally and has the support of key landowners."

The Greenway is an essential tourist attraction that Ireland should develop, he said.

"This Government is committed to providing a world-class Greenway that will attract touring cyclists to Ireland who might not otherwise come here. Research has shown that there are hundreds of thousands of tourists who wish to go on cycling holidays who will chose other countries over Ireland if we do not provide an offering with off-road, scenic routes. Easy access to facilities for eating, drinking and accommodation must also be provided."