Nash’s Boreen enhancement scheme design expected this year

PRELIMINARY design on a scheme aimed at enhancing Nash’s Boreen for pedestrians and cyclists is expected to be completed this year.

At a recent North West ward local area committee meeting, Sinn Féin councillor Kenneth Collins was informed by Cork City Council’s director of infrastructure development Gerry O’Beirne that “preliminary design work and early engagement with affected landowners is ongoing for the Nash Boreen Active Travel Scheme”.

“The preliminary design is expected to be complete in Q2 2024 and subject to [elected] members agreement the public consultation process/planning process could be commenced in Q3 2024.

“This will be followed by detailed design and tender/construction subject to continued funding and approval,” Mr O’Beirne continued.

Nash’s Boreen stretches from upper Fair Hill and runs as far as Apple’s campus in Hollyhill.

Speaking to The Echo following the update, Mr Collins said a key element of the active travel scheme would be closing the boreen to general vehicular traffic — something which he said he and his party colleague councillor Mick Nugent have been seeking for some time.

Mr Collins said vehicular access would be maintained for residents living along the boreen.

He spoke to the importance of the boreen for local people.

“On a clear day, you can see four mountain ranges, which is unbelievable. It’s good news that this [the scheme] is happening. It’s something that I was looking for for a long, long time because Nash’s Boreen is a jewel in the crown of the northside.

“It’s in the city boundary, but it’s county, it’s country, it’s beautiful."

Cork City Council said the scheme “aims to improve facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users along the approximately 2km of Nash’s Boreen”.

“The proposed works include the renewal of road surfaces, installation of street lighting, provision of improved boundaries etc. Vehicular access will be maintained for residents,” the local authority said.

Mr Collins welcomed the plans to enhance the amenity for pedestrians and cyclists.

“It’s good news for the northside,” he said. “The people on the northside deserve it, they deserve to have something like this.”