Greenway best news since the ‘90s!
A Cork County Councillor has described the possibility of a greenway being developed between Mallow and Dungarvan as “the best news” he has heard since he was elected.
Fermoy Cllr Frank O’Flynn (FF), who was elected to council in 1999, said the project would be a “game changer” for the North Cork area.
Recently, Cork County Council and Waterford City and County Council were awarded grant funding to examine the feasibility for the development.
The proposed Mallow to Dungarvan Greenway would connect with the popular Waterford Greenway which has been open since 2017.
The new greenway would incorporate a 77.35km stretch of scenic countryside running alongside the Blackwater River.
“Cork County Council has a good track record of delivering projects within budget and time. As an avid daily walker and cyclist, I'm absolutely delighted. It’s a great day for Munster,” said Cllr O’Flynn.
It is proposed that Cork County Council will act as the lead authority to carry out the required management responsibilities for the feasibility project which is set to take up to two years.
This will entail the formal appointments of the consultants and overall management of the feasibility project in the functional areas of both Cork County Council and Waterford City and County Council.
The existing Waterford Greenway is a 46km route running from Dungarvan, through the Comeragh Mountains and on to Waterford city.
Cllr Pat Hayes said the proposed greenway would be very welcome and highlighted the positive impact the Waterford Greenway has had on surrounding areas.
“Speaking to people in Dungarvan and the surrounds of the existing greenway there, it has absolutely transformed the area,” said the Fianna Fáil councillor.
The newly-elected Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Gillian Coughlan said it is heartening that the council is getting to grips with the demand for walking and cycling around the county.
“Our constituents are looking for safe, off-road tracks and trail through which to enjoy our beautiful county,” she said.