Public consultation now open on proposed local greenway options

Details of the proposed Mallow to Dungarvan Greenway project have been announced and shared with the public as the current feasibility and route options assessment study has preliminarily completed their first step in the delivery process.

Now, the public is being asked to have their say on the proposed greenway, to help guide its development and ensure that all opportunities and concerns are accounted for.

Submissions are currently being sought on the project via the Cork Roads Office website until April 29 at www. corkrdo.ie/greenways

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Gillian Coughlan, said that should the project come to pass, it would provide a wonderful opportunity to create a ‘vibrant tourist attraction’ in North Cork.

At the conclusion of the initial step of the feasibility and route options assessment project, two key things have been accomplished, the first being that it is confirmed that the proposed greenway would meet/help achieve strategic planning goals.

Secondly, the project has confirmed that the most feasible route corridor to develop more detailed greenway route options is along the abandoned railway line, with some detours.

This route will see the proposed 77.35km long walking and cycling path that would connect Dungarvan in County Waterford to Mallow in County Cork via several local towns and villages, linking at Dungarvan with the existing Waterford Greenway.

Following the route of abandoned railway lines where possible, this path will pass through Cappoquin, Lismore, Ballyduff, Clondulane, Fermoy, Ballyhooly and Killavullen.

In an Assessment Report on the proposed Greenway, it is noted that: “Although evaluation results did vary between the segments, the outcome of the route corridor options assessment indicates that the best corridor concept is to follow the abandoned rail line where possible and, where the rail line is no longer available, developing localised detours as necessary”.

Key benefits included the minimising of the need for land take, providing the best opportunity for shallow grades suitable for all users, minimising the impact to hedgerows, walls, and other boundary features found along roads, maximising opportunities to reuse existing structures, and avoiding Special Protection Areas and Special Conservation Areas.

Other route options examined include following field boundaries, alongside roads as an off-street path, and following the banks of waterways.

PROJECT TIMELINE

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, stated that the feasibility study is the first step in bringing the project to fruition.

“This is an opportunity to develop a strategic, sustainable and captivating greenway that links the beautiful countryside at the heart of Munster to the scenic coast of Waterford, and beyond.

“We look forward to seeing the results of the study, and would like to thank the Department of Transport for the funding that has allowed us to explore this exciting project in greater detail,” Mr Lucey added.

A project timeline of the Mallow to Dungarvan greenway feasibility was also shared. Having commenced in the summer of 2021, the current timeline is expected to run into Q1 of 2023, following two public consultations, further analysis and assessments.

Funding of €361,238 has been awarded to both Cork County Council and Waterford City and County Council by the Department of Transport under the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, to complete the feasibility project.

A reminder that submissions are open on the project until Friday, April 29 via the Cork Roads Office website - www.corkrdo.ie/greenways