€80k for greenway study

Funding has been granted to look at the possibility of having a greenway in North Cork.

The funding allocation to Cork County Council covers the development of the scope, pre-appraisal, feasibility and concept for a 39.15km section across North Cork, running along the former Mallow to Dungarvan Railway line and passing through several towns and villages. Waterford City and County Council has also been awarded funding for a similar exercise eastward from Ballyduff Upper to Dungarvan.

The Minister for Climate Change, Communications Networks and Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, announced the funding which will be allocated under the Carbon Tax Fund 2020.

Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said: “We recently had a very productive meeting with Minister Eamon Ryan looking specifically at a number of Cork County Council’s active travel measures across the county (like) urban pedestrianisation, cycle paths, projects such as the Youghal Eco Boardwalk and our grenways, Midleton to Youghal, the Cork Harbour Greenway, the Carrigaline to Crosshaven greenway and now a potential new greenway for North Cork.

“This funding is exciting news for the North Cork area. Greenways are a fantastic resource and the examination of options in North Cork has the potential to open up significant opportunities for the broader Cork region,” she added.

Cork County Council Chief Executive Tim Lucey said: “The people of Cork County have really embraced greenways for leisure purposes. These amenities offer opportunities for improved health, wellbeing and quality of life of those that use them, as well as generating a significant economic spinoff for businesses in the wider region.”

He added: “I look forward to seeing the results of this study in due course.”