Progress on pedestrian safety at Kilcully

Detailed reviews are now being made to plans for a 1.5km pedestrian safety scheme in Kilcully on the northside of Cork city.

Green Party councillor for Cork City North East, Oliver Moran, confirmed back in April that the scheme which had been held up for years was finally progressing, with Cork City Council appointing a valuer to progress land acquisition for the scheme.

It followed a protest by the Kilcully and Ballincrokig Residents Association outside City Hall in April demanding action on the works and highlighting road traffic accidents in the area.

Council officials confirmed the appointment of Cushman & Wakefield as Cork City Council’s valuer and said the process of contacting 22 landowners required to facilitate the work would begin, with a preference to reach agreement with all landowners without a need for compulsory purchase orders.

Mr Moran has now said that detailed reviews aimed at minimising the impact on adjoining landowners, which was a commitment given during the planning process, are being made.

Once the review is complete, officials will be able to confirm the precise amount of land required for the scheme, including proposals for new entrances, boundary walls, and landscaping.

Mr Moran said the review is likely to be complete in autumn and that Cushman & Wakefield will then be instructed to make contact with all the affected landowners to advise them of the precise proposals for each particular property.

Highlighting the importance of proceeding quickly with the process, Mr Moran said: “The Kilcully scheme is an extensive plan affecting about 22 property owners directly.

“However, it’s vital for the area and will mean a safe pedestrian scheme in a busy residential area, including the Blackman Pub, St Catherine’s Cemetery, and Kilcully Scout Camp.

“There’s enormous demand in the area to proceed with the works, which isn’t proceeding as fast as many would want because of the need to reach agreement with so many landowners.

“That now has to go ahead as quickly as possible for everyone’s benefit in the area.”