Land acquisition for road works on Cork's southside ‘a major step forward’ 

In what has been described as a “major step forward”, land acquisition required to progress a road improvement scheme at a densely populated suburb on the southside of the city has been approved.

An Bord Pleanála in recent days confirmed, with some slight modifications, the compulsory purchase order (CPO) needed for Cork City Council to advance the Lehenaghmore Road Improvement Scheme.

Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire welcomed the update as a “major step forward”.

“The road scheme has been with An Bord Pleánala for almost two years now. It is a huge relief to have this finally completed.

“The scheme can now finally go to tender and construction over the course of the coming months,” he continued.

The Lehenaghmore Road Improvement Scheme was approved by councillors in 2021 under the Part 8 planning process.

It includes the provision of new footpaths and a new cycle lane, a new pedestrian and cycle bridge, bus shelters and bays, carriageway realignment, crossing facilities, junction upgrades, improved surface water drainage and public lighting as well as road lining and signage, landscaping and boundary treatments.

“This community has been waiting far too long, they are completely cut off, with no safe way to walk to shops or schools,” Mr Ó Laoghaire said.

“This saga has been going on for years. I hope that this can finally get moving now and councillor Joe Lynch and I will be keeping the pressure on.”

Mr Lynch similarly welcomed An Bord Pleánala’s approval of the CPO.

“I have been liaising with city council officials in relation to the Lehenaghmore Road Improvement Scheme since being elected to the council in June, and I am delighted that the Compulsory Purchase Order — necessary to acquire the lands required to complete the works — has now been approved.

“Residents have been waiting far too long for things as basic as footpaths, and we now need to see council move ahead with finalising the design of the project without delay, and the National Transport Authority speedily approving the funds required to put works out to tender,” he said.

Former Lord Mayor Mick Finn, who was among several councillors to raise the issue of safe roads and paths for the growing area, said that progress — “although frustratingly slow” — will be welcomed by the huge residential community of the area.

“Lehenaghmore is one of the most populated areas of the city, with even more housing schemes being advanced… proper footpaths and roads are long overdue and it’s good to see it get into the final straight,” the former Independent councillor said.