The Irish Farmers Association has warned Cork County Council about its ambitious plans for a number of greenways in west Cork.
In a statement, the Irish Farmers' Association said it is opposed to any severance of farms or compulsory purchase orders for amenity projects like greenways.
The local authority's plans for West Cork, funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, are at an early stage of development.
The ambition for greenways in West Cork has been welcomed by tourism interests locally as the local authority prepares to open the long awaited Midleton to Youghal greenway in the east of the county.
The proposed new greenways include a route from Cork to Kinsale, west Cork-Bandon, and the west Cork-Skibbereen greenway which involves three separate sections from Skibbereen to Baltimore (13km), Skibbereen to Schull (23km) and Skibbereen to Drimoleague (13 km).
The IFA raised its concerns following a meeting with senior Cork County Council officials.
IFA Infrastructure Chair Paul O'Brien said they told officials that greenways should be predominately developed on public lands and avoid private farmlands where possible, as envisaged in the 2018 Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways.
He said: "The greenways for west Cork do not follow this approach as they are predominately proposed on private farmlands.
"This is extremely difficult and causes major disruption to farmers and the agriculture sector."
Concerns were also raised about the potential spread of disease, privacy issues and litter.
Mr O'Brien said the meeting allowed the association "to set out the fears and concerns of farmers, regarding the proposed greenways and how they could impact very significantly on farmers, their property and businesses."
In June, the council said progression of the projects over the medium term will be dependent on securing the necessary planning, and funding, going forward.
The council said the meeting with the IFA was both productive and constructive.
It added that they remain committed to a process of ongoing consultation.
