Footpaths needed on Cork city's northside as pedestrians highlight dangers

Calls for more footpaths in the northside have been made to Cork City Council, with residents saying that there are populated areas where it is very dangerous to be a pedestrian.

A series of complaints about footpaths made in April 2024 were seen by The Echo under the Freedom of Information Act, including the Ballincollie Rd and the Ballyhooly Rd.

One person said to the council in their complaint: “Ballincollie has become a built-up area, but yet the area does not have a footpath from Ballincollie out to Whitecross.

“Children living in the area that go to school in Carrig Na Bhfear have to walk a bendy road with no footpath to get the bus to and from school.

“It is a health and safety risk for the people living in this built-up area,” they said, asking for “action to be taken on this matter immediately”.

Another person called for a footpath on the Ballyhooly road, saying: “There is no footpath at all on one side of the pedestrian crossing here.

“It’s an inaccessible road crossing for anyone looking to cross to Dunnes Stores, Lidl, or the Fox and Hounds.

Claims elderly people can't leave their homes as council receives nearly 600 footpath complaints since 2023 https://t.co/SRwGIt9ZEk

— EchoLive.ie (@echolivecork) July 23, 2024

“Being forced to cross this green daily made me realise how inaccessible it is for anyone with a buggy, shopping cart, or for anyone in a wheelchair, etc.

“You have to use the crossing to get to any of the three aforementioned destinations, an investment in a proper path would do wonders for all road users in the area.”

Green Party councillor for the area, Oliver Moran, said he was aware of the need for footpaths in both areas. He told The Echo: “A scheme is agreed to improve the area around the Fox and Hounds.

“This was held up by the need for a compulsory purchase.

“That’s been granted now and we’re able to begin the necessary land acquisition and finalise the design documents before going forward for tender,” he said.

“However, the Ballincollie road remains a very difficult situation for pedestrians.

“This will affect the new Danesfort development, Coppenger Fields, and surrounding areas, where it’s the most natural line for pedestrians to access public transport at Kinvara.

“Some additional footpaths will be provided with private developments taking place on the road, but these don’t extend the full length.

“The remaining stretch is zoned for development, and I would expect the connection would be closed when that happens.

“However, there’s no indication of that happening soon.

“I agree in the meantime Cork City Council should step in.”