'Off-road amenity is fantastic': Greenway in East Cork proving a popular spot

IT’S not quite a case of planes, trains and automobiles on the new greenway, opened on March 7, which traverses the route of the former rail link stretching from Midleton Train Station to Mogeely; it’s more a case of bikes, scooters, dogs, and buggies!

Walking along the 8km route the landscape, not seen for generations, is largely green and scenic flanked by open fields, bushes and trees. On a blue skied-blustery day, the greenway is alive with enthusiastic people loving the great outdoors.

Described as an “enhancer of public health and personal well-being” and a “catalyst for economic growth and tourism development”, the greenway is proving a popular spot to take time out, to walk, to talk, to cycle and to take in nature.

“The N25 is so busy,” says local man and runner, Frank Nolan.

“It’s not an ideal road for walking or running. This off-road greenway amenity is fantastic. We can slow down, there are no loud engine noises or engine fumes. You can’t hear the car horns either.”

Cyclist Imelda McCarthy agrees.

“I cycle from Midleton to Mogeely regularly to visit my mother,” says Imelda. “I can see myself travelling more often now on the bike instead of popping in the car now that the greenway is open. The N25 can often be dangerous for cyclists. Now we have a safer, more scenic route to take, and it’s great.”

Orla Glavin from Midleton does a lot of walking.

“I live in Inch near Killeagh, and I train service dogs.

“I often walk around the town of Midleton with my dog; now I make use of this new facility and I often take two dogs walking with me. The greenway is accessible, safe, and level for walking.

“It’s nice to stop along the way and have a friendly chat as well.”

Independent county councillor Mary Linehan-Foley intends on “dusting down” her bicycle to cycle the greenway 8km from Midleton to Mogeely.

“It is brilliant to see this section of the greenway open after the route has been derelict more than 30 years. The greenway provides a marvellous boost for tourism and for local families.”

The greenway is providing a boost for the Coffee Station located in Mogeely opposite the entrance to the greenway.

“Since the greenway opened; we are much busier than usual,” says co-owner Angela Cushen, who has been trading for two years.

“There is a lot more activity about especially at weekends and when the weather is good. I want to thank all our customers and our regular customers who continuously supported us over two years.”

Nancy and Louise O’Neill have been active, jogging the 8km from Mogeely to Midleton and back. Nancy is from Limerick.

“I travelled down from Limerick especially to try out the new greenway,” she says.

“It is a massive bonus to the community. It is incredible. We don’t have a facility like this in Limerick; there is one under construction, but we’ll have to wait for it to be completed.”

How long did it take the girls to jog along the greenway? “Just under two hours,” says Louise from Rathcormac. “We deserve a coffee!”

Coffee is on the menu too for the Greenway Café, Main St, Midleton, which re-opened on the same day as the greenway’s 8km route, March 7.

After suffering well over €100,000 in damages during the extreme weather last October as chest-high floodwaters swept through the town’s Main Street, desolating scores of homes and businesses, shop owners Deirdre Roberts and Fiona O’Driscoll feared they would never open again.

“We were completely wiped out,” says Deirdre. “We had to spend well over €100,000 to get things up and running again. We got a good sum back from the Government, but it still set us back a good bit.”

What about the bikes they rent out?

“We had just gotten all our electric bikes from the city before the flood hit. We donated the bikes to the Bicycle Academy in Limerick to help students to fix them and when they’re done, they’ll be donated to charity.”

Are people renting bikes since the greenway opened?

“For sure,” says Deirdre. “The greenway is really popular for cyclists and for visitors to East Cork. We’re looking forwards to a bumper summer.”

The project aims to connect Midleton, Mogeely, Killeagh and Youghal with a further section of the greenway due to open later this year.

“The ease of access will improve the environment of the towns and villages along the way, making it more attractive to opt for sustainable transport modes for daily activities as well as meeting the needs of local communities in terms of health, fitness and connection to nature,” said county mayor Frank O’Flynn.

“The opening of the greenway was a great day for East Cork.”