Concerns again raised re 'usability and safety' of proposed greenway

Criticism has again been levelled at the proposed Mallow to Dungarvan Greenway, with the Ballyduff Greenway Concerns Group (GCG) outlining concerns with what they believe to be the current proposed route.

Cork National Roads Office outline that the greenway is proposed to follow the ‘abandoned rail line’ where possible, however, members of the group allege that this term is ‘misleading and untrue’ as the former railway line is now largely in private ownership and redeveloped or returned to agricultural use.

The group have also outlined what they believe to be the ‘reality of the proposed route’, which they claim raises serious concerns about usability and safety.

A statement issued last week by the group, outlining concerns regarding bends and road crossings on the route, says that enthusiasts have stated: “This kind of design really hinders the potential of cycling for transport.”

“On the recreational side, it poses significant dangers, especially for families with children. Cyclists negotiating blind bends risk colliding with pedestrians or other cyclists, particularly concerning when children may venture ahead out of sight. The sheer gradients in areas along the way making it impossible for little legs to pedal or climb and a serious safety concern going downhill,” the statement read.

Affected properties along the route were also highlighted as a concern, as the GCG claim that the Voluntary and Compulsory Purchase Order Scheme will have ‘substantial effects’ on local families and businesses.

“Residents along the route have serious reservations about the project. The proposed route would pass within yards of homeowners' back doors and feet from children’s bedroom windows representing a total invasion of privacy.

“Consultants have suggested erecting fences or screens for privacy, resulting in sunlight being sacrificed as well as the views that inspired the building or purchase of homes. All auctioneers who have been consulted have indicated that property valuations will be negatively impacted. Moreover, there are serious security concerns about running public access so close to homes, allowing unrestricted access to anyone in the country, away from public scrutiny,” the statement read.

LACK OF TRANSPARENCY?

An alleged lack of transparency has also been criticised as the GCG sought three reports regarding the project under the Freedom of Information Act, which they claim were denied. Under the Freedom of Information Act, the group sought the Scope and Pre Appraisal Report, Concept and Feasibility Report, and the Options Selection Report.

“Unfortunately, access to these reports was denied on the grounds that the information contained within them ‘could impede the entire process and hamper progress on the project.’ However, if these reports are indeed competent, sound and based on facts, why is there a persistent lack of transparency regarding their contents?” the GCG asked.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

At the March meeting of the Dungarvan Municipal District, calls were extended for clear and concise information on the project. At the time, senior engineer with Waterford City and County Council, Conor O’Neill, confirmed that the project was still at the feasibility study stage, which is only the second phase of the process.

He acknowledged that public consultation was supposed to happen in April, however, there were delays due to further changes and amendments to the proposed project.

“We’re at the stage now where we’re ready to go to public consultation but we want to get it right before we go to that stage,” Mr O’Neill said.

While he acknowledged that there is a ‘vacuum’ of knowledge occurring at the moment, he confirmed that work is ongoing in the background and changes are being made and reiterated that members and the public would be informed before anything occurs in relation to the proposed project.

It is understood that a number of changes to the initial proposal of following the former railway line have been made, however, a detailed proposed route for the project has yet to be shared publicly.