AN internal group is to be set up in Cork City Council to assess the feasibility of closing Nash’s Boreen to vehicular traffic.

It was confirmed by Chief Executive Ann Doherty, following a question from Sinn Féin Councillor Kenneth Collins.

Nash's Boreen is a popular local amenity but has been plagued with anti-social behaviour, dumping and joyriding.

Mr Collins asked that a working group be set up which would include residents, landowners, Gardai, Cork City Council staff, local councillors, HSE and City Partnership to discuss the feasibility surrounding the closure of Nash's Boreen to vehicular traffic.

While the team being set up is a “small cross Directorate internal team under the stewardship of the Assistant Chief Executive” Councillor Collins has welcomed the step forward.

“It was a fantastic response. I think the ball is going to be rolling here. Looking at the answer, the CE is after committing and the Deputy City Manager is heading it up as well which is positive,” he said.

The Chief Executive confirmed that the group would “prepare a Public Consultation Plan which can be actioned to achieve effective engagement with all key stakeholders and the public in order to better understand the issues and bring a proposal to Council if considered appropriate with regard to the sustainable future of vehicular traffic using Nash’s Boreen and its environs.” 

It comes following a number of instances of illegal dumping, as well as recurring anti-social behaviour in the area, including another car being burnt out on the Boreen last month.

The amenity walk, which stretches from upper Fair Hill and runs as far as Apple Computers in Hollyhill, has been especially popular with walkers in recent months because of the Covid-19 lockdown.

“It’s an amenity that any other county in the country would die for because the views on a nice day are fantastic,” Mr Collins said.

However, he said that cars and motorbikes are making the area unsafe for people to walk in.

Mr Collins added that he had spoken to residents who live on the Boreen who were “thrilled” with the Council’s response to his question.