Upper Glanmire pedestrian safety scheme works to begin

WORKS on a pedestrian safety scheme in the Upper Glanmire area are expected to commence shortly following the appointment of a contractor.

The Upper Glanmire Pedestrian Safety Scheme — phase one of a two-part project which will eventually take in Kilcully — was approved by city councillors in June last year following public consultation.

It aims to provide a variety of measures to improve pedestrian infrastructure along a section of around 1.26km on the R616 in Upper Glanmire.

Key elements of the scheme include the construction of a 2m-wide concrete path, which will be around 490m long; the upgrading of the existing path; the provision of pedestrian crossings; the provision of a raised and ramped table at the intersecting junction with the L2974; new public lighting columns; and new road markings and signage.

Speaking to The Echo, Fine Gael councillor Joe Kavanagh said he received confirmation that a contractor “is appointed and ready to go”.

Mr Kavanagh said the scheme, when complete, will benefit local residents.

He also welcomed the planned new bus service for the area under the new design for the Cork Metropolitan bus network, which is due to come into effect next year.

Progress on the Upper Glanmire Pedestrian Safety Scheme was also welcomed by Green Party councillor Oliver Moran.

“The new scheme in Upper Glanmire will involve bringing the existing footpaths up to a modern standard, along with about 500m of new footpath and public lighting,” he said.

“It’s one of two schemes in the wider area, along with the Kilcully pedestrian improvement scheme that will follow afterwards.

“Both areas are due to benefit from a new bus service that the National Transport Authority want to begin from August 2024. These will be twice-hourly services and the provision of a good-quality pedestrian environment is an essential complement to that, as well as for safe walking to school and the local community centre.

“Both Upper Glanmire and Kilcully show how important sustainable travel, both walking and public transport, are to areas outside of the traditional footprint of the city.

“I think it’s a significant statement from Cork City Council to begin investing like this in these two areas in the first term that they were brought into the city from the county.”