Couple 'disheartened and frustrated' at greenway plans
The proposed Mallow to Dungarvan Greenway has been a point of contention for many locals as the route, which was initially proposed to follow the old railway line, is set to impact many property owners along the way.
One couple, Richie and Siobhán Bryant, have said that they are ‘disheartened and frustrated’ as they were allegedly informed that the proposed greenway would wrap around two of the three boundaries of their newly renovated home.
Richie and Siobhán embarked on an exciting journey in May 2022 when they purchased a 1970s bungalow in Glenagurteen, located just two miles from Ballyduff Upper, in west Waterford.
The couple purchased the bungalow fully aware of the extensive renovations required to bring it back to its former glory. However, they were undeterred and eagerly began making plans to turn the outdated house into a modern and comfortable living space for their family.
"We were delighted to find a home with beautiful views in a great location near our workplaces and family. After years of living in cities abroad we finally found our forever home in the countryside", recalled Siobhán.
In February 2023, they successfully obtained planning permission from Cork County Council to renovate and extend the house. This was a significant milestone for them, as it marked the first step towards their vision of a beautiful home.
December 2023 saw an engineer, involved in the proposed greenway project, pay a visit to the Bryants property to inform them of the plans to construct a greenway that would wrap around two of the three boundaries of their triangular site.
News that the greenway is allegedly set to be built just 6 meters from their newly extended house and a mere 2 metres from their garage, has left the couple feeling ‘utterly bewildered’, with the news coming as a shock.
Concerns have now been raised in relation to the couple’s home, as plans for the new greenway development could see noise pollution, increased foot traffic and potential loss of privacy.
From their very first visit to this house, they fell in love with the elevated site and beautiful views. Now the couple claim that if they wish to maintain privacy, they will have to sacrifice their views to allow large wooden screens to be erected.
Both Richie and Siobhan have also questioned how families are going to cycle such a hilly road.
Not only do the couple feel ‘disheartened’ by the potential impact on their quality of life, but they also said that they feel ‘let down by the lack of transparency during the planning permission process’.
Since the initial visit by the engineer, Richie has said that they have not been contacted or visited further by those involved with the greenway project.
The couple are now faced with either accepting the situation and adjusting their expectations for their home, or exploring legal avenues to challenge the construction of the Mallow to Dungarvan greenway.
"We are disheartened and frustrated to get the news of a Greenway so close to our home renovation and extension project completion. With the crossing of the greenway so close to our driveway, it poses a health and safety risk. The route will impact our privacy running to the front and side of our home," admits Richie.