Temporary lights to be requested for the Marina

FUNDING for temporary lights on the Marina walkway is to be requested from Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan this Friday.

Fine Gael Councillor Des Cahill told The Echo he would be meeting with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan on Friday via Zoom, as part of a meeting with the Cork Roads Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) of which he is the chair.

Mr Cahill said he would like to see temporary lighting funded through the Government’s €1m a day fund designated specifically for walking and cycling infrastructure, both of which are popular activities on the newly pedestrianised area of the Marina.

The City Councillor said he put forward a motion to see the popular walkway lit up six weeks ago and it had been sent for discussion at the Environment SPC.

Mr Cahill said he was hopeful money to fund temporary lighting could be provided by the fund as permanent projects that were likely to be progressed by the fund had to be developed and designed and were not likely to be ready before next year.

Explaining the rationale for the much-needed project, Mr Cahill said for the winter months, the Marina is practically inaccessible for walkers, runners and cyclists as it is dark after 6pm.

Mr Cahill said for anyone who works a 9-5pm job this meant the amenity is no longer a useful commodity to them and with the lockdown and Covid, the open pedestrianised area is more important than ever.

The type of lighting used, Mr Cahill said, was up for discussion, but he did highlight the simple atmosphere that lights nestled in the overhead trees would bring, particularly around the Christmas period.