Viaduct to city greenway progressing

Preliminary design proposals for a greenway from the Viaduct to Cork city are set to be presented to councillors in the coming month, a City Hall official said this week.

Earlier this year, Cork City Council secured National Transport Authority (NTA) grant funding of €220,000 to enable the development of design proposals for phase 1 of a new cycle/pedestrian greenway scheme from the Viaduct to the city.

Sinn Féin Cllr Fiona Kerins asked during a Cork City Council meeting on Monday for an update on the project. She was told by Gerry O’Beirne, Director of Services, Infrastructure Development, that the proposed scope of work in phase 1 relates to the area between the Chetwydn Reservoir and Kinsale Road Roundabout.

He continued: “The project will seek to deliver a 5m wide facility with connections to areas along the route as well as existing and planned cycle infrastructure including those to be provided under the Frankfield and Lehenaghmore schemes and their onward connections.”

Cllr Kerins was also told that the design will also make provision for controlled crossings on existing roads, public lighting, seating and other supporting measures and that the Regional Design Office will be separately examining development of proposals for a continuation of the facility westwards through the county council area along the old railway line and related tie in proposals will be further developed in tandem.

“The city council appointed a design team for the phase 1 project in Q1 of 2022 and it is anticipated that preliminary design proposals will be presented to members in the coming month with a view to commencing public consultation under the Part 8 Planning process. Subject to planning and financial approvals, the detailed design will be progressed in 2023 with tender/construction phases to follow,” added Mr O’Beirne.