Public to have say on Cork-Kinsale greenway route

Cork County Council is inviting the public to have their say on the proposed route for the Cork-to-Kinsale greenway

The project, which is funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s (TII) Greenway Programme, is at phase-two-options selection. This involves examining potential route corridors to determine a preferred path for the greenway.

Five route-corridor options and two links for the proposed greenway have been developed from a public consultation in February and the completion of the phase-one, concept-and-feasibility stage.

The project aims to improve access to several significant tourist attractions and to potentially include the refurbishment of the Chetwynd viaduct and Ballinhassig tunnel.

“This is a significant project that aims to provide a sustainable, accessible, safe and attractive greenway for locals and visitors to travel between two important tourist locations,” said Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Carroll, the mayor of Co Cork.

“I am encouraging of the public to have their say, to view the maps, and to engage with the team behind this project.

“It is vital that we have community input at every stage.”

During phase two, all feasible corridor options will be examined and interrogated to identify a preferred route.

The progression of the project, to phase three and beyond, is subject to TII approval and funding availability, as well as to the necessary statutory consents, including planning, being secured.

The online public consultation is now open to submissions, via www.corkkinsalegreenway.ie, and will be available until October 13.

Two in-person events will also be held in relation to the project, with the first meeting at The Viaduct Restaurant and Bar, on the Old Bandon Rd, on September 17, from 1pm to 8pm.

The second meeting will be held at Acton’s Hotel in Kinsale on September 18, from 1pm to 8pm.

Submissions can also be made by post to Greenways, Cork National Roads Office, Richmond, Glanmire, Cork, T45 WA44.