Call for western access point to Tramore Valley Park

THE final piece of the access jigsaw to Tramore Valley Park would connect Turner’s Cross, Ballyphehane and Togher with the city amenity site, according to a local councillor who has called for an update on proposals.

Former Lord Mayor Mick Finn, who opened the park in 2019, said the need for an access point from the western side of the city will not be considered following the recent connection to Frankfield Grange.

“A project such as Tramore Valley Park, transforming the city’s dump into a recreation area, was always going to take time and investment and now is the time to put the Togher/Turners Cross/Ballyphehane access on the table for planning,” Cllr Finn said.

“The council got much criticism regarding the Half Moon Lane access point but users of the park now agree that it was right to do it properly — it wasn’t just about opening an old gate that was there.

“Following the completion of the Vernon Mount Bridge, which opens up the park to Frankfield and Grange, there is a need to prioritise linkages with the west and new planned greenways.”

Cllr Finn said that while a children’s playground has been ruled out, he feels it could be reconsidered such is the vastness of the location. 

He also thinks there are areas that would be suitable to locate a dog park.

“While I asked that the Lee Fields should be considered for the installation of a dog walking park – an area of it was used for this purpose during works that fenced off an area – I was informed that this could not happen.

“However, it was agreed that other locations would be looked at. There are plenty of ‘rough grass’ areas in Tramore Valley Park, off the Robert Heffernan Walkway towards the new bridge, that could possibly be earmarked for this purpose and I have asked for that to be looked into.” 

Cllr Finn said that Tramore Valley Park will continue to evolve into a “superb recreational zone” for people of the city and be utilised for a variety of purposes.

“The more we can put in there, the better and we can try to cater for all needs.”