On your bike!
Two major milestone projects have been officially opened in Cork county.
Phase 1 of the Midleton to Youghal (MY) Greenway was launched by The Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Frank O’Flynn and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers TD, as was Cobh’s newest Safe Route to School.
Phase 1 of MY Greenway stretches 8km from Midleton Train Station to Mogeely, marking the first step in establishing a 23km greenway network connecting towns and villages along the former railway line. It’s hoped the project will enhance connectivity and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Mayor O’Flynn said: “The construction of the greenway has been supported by Transport Infrastructure Ireland with funding of over €18m on the overall project, representing a significant investment in the delivery of sustainable transport within the county. This greenway, on completion, will form part of the Pathfinder project providing cycle connectivity between Cork and Waterford and will also be incorporated into the EuroVelo 1 route.
“The quality of the infrastructure and ease of access will improve the environment of the towns and villages along the way, making it more attractive to opt for sustainable transport modes for daily activities as well as meeting the needs of local communities in terms of health, fitness, and connection to nature.”
Minister Chambers said: “This greenway will encourage greater levels of travel via cycling and walking rather than private car use amongst leisure users, tourists, and commuters. The opening of this 8km section of high-quality cycling infrastructure today, with a further section due to open later this year, is a significant step in delivering a Pathfinder Project to deliver a National Cycling Network corridor between the cities of Cork and Waterford.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council Valerie O’Sullivan said: “The greenway when completed, will be a must-visit destination within Ireland’s Ancient East and will complement and enhance the existing tourism offer in the county, allowing visitors to explore the heart of East Cork in a safe, off-road and traffic free environment.”
Phase 1 is now open to the public with a commitment made to the implementation of an Interpretation Strategy for the overall greenway to highlight the biodiversity of the area and the railway history of the line to provide an engaging visitor experience.
Safe Route
The Safe Route to Schools project in Cobh at Scoil Iosaef Naofa Boys National School, St Mary’s Girls National School and Coláiste Muire Co-Educational Secondary School was also launched during the minister’s visit.
The work was carried out in the Bishops Street area, known as the ‘top of the hill’. These three schools see 1,224 students and 122 staff travelling in the morning and afternoons during the school term.
To the front of Scoil Iosaef Naofa, widened footpaths and a narrowed carriageway have been created to slow traffic speeds. Greater congregation space has been developed for children, parents and guardians to create a safer and more inviting space at the front of the school.
Colourful art has been added to the footpaths and road space and pencil shaped bollards have been placed at the edge of the widened paths which is hoped will prevent cars from parking on the widened footpaths.