Petition to open contentious pedestrian entrance to Cork city park gains support

MORE than 570 people have signed a petition calling for the pedestrian gate to Tramore Valley Park from Half Moon Lane to be opened to the public.

City Hall have previously told The Echo that there are a number of issues with opening the gate, and also could not do so on a temporary basis as was suggested recently.

Councillor Terry Shannon also recently said that opening the entrance in its current state would be endangering people’s lives, while adding that it would cost upwards of €200,000 to ensure safety in the area with adequate infrastructure and new traffic lights.

However, Councillor Dan Boyle disagreed and called for a temporary opening of the gate.

Locals who have signed the petition also insist that the gate should be opened.

“City councillors and executives refuse to look at short term options, continuing to delay any solutions and say a lengthy consultation process must yet begin,” the petition reads.

Currently pedestrian access to the park is available from Willow Park, however, the petition states it is too far away for most people in Turner’s Cross and Ballyphehane.

“Some locals have resorted to cycling across the dangerous South Link dual carriageway to use the car entrance. This is a massive accident waiting to happen,” the petition reads.

It adds: “Locals recognise that long term solutions such as road improvements on the Half Moon Lane/South Douglas Road junction are needed. However, there are short term, low cost options involving bollards and increased signage that the council refuse to put in place.” In March a Council spokesperson told The Echo that Half Moon Lane is not considered to be a safe pedestrian route to Tramore Valley Park at present, given there is no segregation between vehicles and pedestrians.

They added that a car-parking issue in the area could also arise if the gate was opened, while any draft improvement proposals would require Part 8 planning approval.