FERMOY BRIDGE BOARDWALK POSSIBILITY TO BE ASSESSED

An overhang boardwalk on Kent Bridge as well as a possible reallocation of road lane and footway space are to form part of a feasibility study for an Active Travel plan for Fermoy, Cork County Council have confirmed.

A Cork County Council spokesperson, this week confirmed to The Avondhu that the council intends to progress a feasibility study for an area-based active travel and transport plan for Fermoy, ‘subject to funding availability'.

Options appraisal of the existing road space and footways in the town, including Kent Bridge, will be included in the study, the spokesperson noted.

“A key outcome of such a study would be to assess the possible re-allocation of road lane and footway space and whether or not an overhang boardwalk on the Kent Bridge would be beneficial in the overall context of an active travel and transport plan for Fermoy,” the spokesperson said.

It was revealed recently that the council were planning to undertake a feasibility study on the matter. This followed a call from local councillor Noel McCarthy to take action regarding the danger posed to pedestrians in the town.

In response to the request, Senior Engineer Brendan O’Gorman acknowledged that footpaths on both sides of the bridge were too narrow, however, noted the upcoming feasibility study for a new boardwalk.

Mr O’Gorman noted that the works would consist of an overhang ‘similar to what was done in Mallow’.

Recently, funding to the tune of €139,000 was allocated to Fermoy for the Active Travel Towns and Villages project.

Elsewhere, several local projects are to benefit from the recently allocated National Transport Authority (NTA) funds allocated to local authorities for the delivery of walking and cycling infrastructure in 2022.

Glanmire Cycle Way and pedestrian improvements saw an allocation of €1,700,000, while allocations were also made to Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Glanmire to City Cycle Route, the Kilcully and Upper Glanmire Pedestrian improvement Scheme.

Across Cork county, investments into the Safe to Schools Programme, public lighting, bus stop enabling works, cycle facilities, cycle parking and the Cork County Council Active Travel Office, were also made.

LIMERICK & WATERFORD

Limerick allocations saw funding put towards minor footpath schemes in the Cappamore Kilmallock MD, support infrastructure for the Safe to Schools programme, low-cost junction tightening and pedestrian crossing schemes, and low-cost permeability measures among other projects.

The Dungarvan Lismore Electoral Area of Waterford also saw investment into the Active Travel Programme, while funding was also provided for cycle counters and cycle parking in the city and county.

Rapid deployment of Active Travel measures,

Active Travel staff costs, permeability schemes and bus priority measures were also funded by the NTA monies for Waterford.

€24,010,000 in total was allocated to projects across Waterford and welcomed by Waterford-based Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler.

“I am delighted that Waterford has received such a significant funding allocation for investment in our wonderous walking and cycling infrastructure.

“Waterford boasts some of the most naturally beautiful attractions and scenic views in the whole country and this investment in our active travel amenities will greatly benefit the entire county. This targeted funding stream will play a significant role in making walking and cycling in Waterford’s villages, towns and city, safer and more sustainable,” Minister Butler said.