Pedestrian and cycle link to Tramore Valley Park opens

Thu, 02 Nov, 2023 - 07:00

Amy Power

A NEW pedestrian and cycle link to Tramore Valley Park, which includes a bridge over the N40, can now be used by the public.

The Grange Road to Tramore Valley Park pedestrian and cycle link consists of a pedestrian and cycle path from the Grange Road down the valley and into the Tramore Valley Park via an overbridge over the N40.

The new route opened to pedestrians and cyclists yesterday and will be officially opened on November 17.

Contractors for Jons Civil Engineering remain onsite as they complete a snag list. Pic; Larry Cummins

Local Fine Gael councillor, Shane O’Callaghan, who has long championed the project, welcomed the opening of the new infrastructure.

“I’m delighted that this fantastic new amenity can now be used by the residents of Grange, Frankfield, Donnybrook, Douglas, and the surrounding areas.

“The contractor is still putting a few finishing touches to the project — including work to the stairs on the Tramore Valley Park side — but the path, bridge, and ramp are all open and ready for use by the public.

“It’ll be officially opened on November 17, but it is open for use by the public from today,” he told The Echo yesterday.

Mr O’Callaghan said the project has been a key priority for him since he was first elected.

“Since being elected to Cork City Council, I’ve worked to ensure that the construction of the pedestrian and cycle lane was prioritised by both the National Transport Authority and the city council,” he said.

The 62m bridge which spans the N40 was installed in April, linking Grange to Tramore Valley Park and is accessible to all via a tarmac shared pathway. Pic; Larry Cummins

In that regard, Mr O’Callaghan said he had raised the matter of funding for the project with the National Transport Authority CEO Anne Graham, when she addressed Cork City Council and also with the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, in addition to seeking regular updates from the council executive on the project.

Earlier this year, Cork City Council commenced a public consultation, inviting nominations for the naming of the new bridge, funded by the National Transport Authority, and a total 598 nominations were received.

A shortlist of six names came before councillors to vote on at a meeting in July, where the name Vernon Mount Bridge was chosen.

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