Funding for Marina walking and cycle facilities welcomed

FUNDING of €4.2m for the Marina Promenade pedestrian and cycle facilities has been welcomed locally.

However, it has also been claimed that more needs to be done to enhance footpaths in the Blackrock area.

The funding was announced as part of a major investment in active travel projects across Cork, which will see €29.1m allocated to Cork City Council, and €19m to Cork County Council under the Active Travel Investment Programme for 2024.

Among the projects earmarked for funding are the Marina Promenade pedestrian-and-cycle facilities, which received €4.2m, with €4.5m allocated for the Ringmahon Active Travel Infrastructure scheme.

Fine Gael councillor Des Cahill said of the €4.2m for the improvement of the Marina Promenade pedestrian-and-cycle facilities:

“It’s so well-used now, it’s going to be even more popular when it’s finished. I know the neighbourhood is happy.”

Local Labour candidate, Peter Horgan, welcomed the allocation in the Blackrock area for active travel but said more must be done to enhance regular footpaths for people in the area.

“The centrepoint of funding in this allocation is directed towards the Marina regeneration scheme,” said Mr Horgan.

“This will be the jewel in the crown for the city when completed and so many stakeholders deserve credit, not least Cllr Des Cahill who has driven the Marina promenade and Marina Park project. We have to put party politics aside and give credit where it is due — I hope he gets to open it.”

However, Mr Horgan urged officials to re-engage with locals regarding the Ringmahon cycle scheme, which was allocated €4.5m.

“I urge officials to re-engage with locals and business owners in Mahon and see what will work for those who will live with the scheme.

“Ultimately, this overall allocation is good investment for the area and will hopefully lead to more active travel use and less dependency on continuous car travel. We also have to see funding retrofitted to fix existing footpaths in estates along with roads that are crumbling.”