Councillor urges street lighting for joggers and walkers on Cork's Marina

A CITY Councillor is urging Cork City Council to get behind his motion seeking lighting for the Marina to ensure the safety of those out exercising.

Fine Gael's Cork South-East councillor, Des Cahill expressed concern about the dangers for night time joggers and walkers who are without sufficient light while exercising.

In a recent motion, he proposed that a costing be urgently sought in light of the Winter months ahead.

He referenced the success of temporary lighting implemented during the Ed Sheeran concert which took place in Páirc Uí Chaoimh back in May of 2018.

"Very successful lighting was provided during the Ed Sheeran weekend," Mr Cahill's motion read. 

"It shows that it can be done. A costing should be sought as a matter of urgency as the Winter nights are getting longer and the Marina is unsafe to walk in darkness."

He acknowledged how important exercise has become following the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Covid has severely impacted people's lives," he said. 

"Exercise is hugely important and while the long term plan for the Marina is to include public lighting it needs to happen now. The Marina links many roads which will be utilised by the public if given the chance."

The Marina is a well-known waterside amenity in Blackrock and is widely used for walking, running, cycling and by a number of clubs for rowing and boating on the River Lee.

It had been pedestrianised back in May among a range of measures put in place by Cork City Council to facilitate social distancing in the city.