Cork County Council to take the lead on Mallow - Dungarvan greenway
It was agreed at this week’s full meeting of Cork County Council that Cork County Council would act as the lead local authority for the Mallow to Dungarvan Greenway feasibility project.
A Section 85 of the Local Government Act 2001 and Section 14 of the Roads Act 1993 was brought before the council on Monday. Municipal District Chairman, Cllr Pat Hayes proposed the agreement, stating that the feasibility study was ‘very welcome’.
“Speaking with the people of Dungarvan, the greenway has absolutely transformed the area down there,” Cllr Hayes said.
It is understood that the proposed greenway is to follow the old Mallow to Rosslare railway line and where possible, will incorporate Killavullen, Castletownroche, Ballyhooly, Fermoy and Clondulane, linking with West Waterford at Ballyduff Upper.
Local councillor Frank O’Flynn seconded the proposal, stating that he would ‘fully support’ the feasibility and the development itself.
“This is the best news since I became a member of Cork County Council,” Cllr O’Flynn said.
He went on to describe the proposed development as a ‘game changer’ for North Cork, citing a number of tourist destinations in the area and the potential tourism opportunities that a greenway could also bring for the area.
“From now on, it’s going to be North Cork along the Blackwater Valley where people will come for the view and will stay for the hospitality and the quality of life,” Cllr O’Flynn added.
Councillors Gearoid Murphy and Tony O’Shea also supported the Section 85 Agreement, with Cllr Murphy welcoming the link up with Waterford.
STUNNING SCENERY & VIADUCT CROSSINGS
Under the agreement, Cork County Council will enter into an arrangement with Waterford City and County Council whereby they will carry out all the functions of the Local Authority in respect of the greenway feasibility project.
According to a report, this agreement would see Cork County Council carry out formal appointments of consultants, acting as a direct point of contact for consultants and overall management of the feasibility project in functional areas of both Cork County Council and Waterford City and County Council.
“The Section 85 Agreement sets out a timeline of 2 years for the carrying out of the powers, functions and duties related to the feasibility project, but the extent of the powers, functions and duties, which are to be transferred is limited to those required to develop and complete the feasibility project only,” the report reads.
According to a report issued to council members on the Section 85 Agreement, the greenway would incorporate a 77.35km stretch of scenic countryside in its journey from Mallow to Fermoy and onto
Dungarvan and would run alongside the Blackwater River.
“This route incorporates some stunning scenery owing to the breadth of the river and viaduct crossings at key landmark locations,” the report reads.
In August 2020, funding of €160,000 was allocated to Cork County Council and Waterford City and County Council to examine a 39km potential greenway route. €80,000 was allocated to each council under the Carbon Tax Fund 2020 for scope, pre-appraisal, concept, feasibility and options selection.
Following the grant of this funding, the executive of both local authorities have met over the course of several months to agree on the scope of the feasibility project, the key areas of analysis which will form the basis of the feasibility report and the final output studies and reports which will determine the feasibility or otherwise of the Mallow to Dungarvan Greenway.