Cork City Council looks at options for western access to Tramore Park

Cork City Council has allocated €70k for a feasibility study to improve pedestrian access to Tramore Valley Park, which a councillor for the area says is “an important first step.”

Social Democrats councillor Padraig Rice received a response on Friday from the executive to his motion calling for improved pedestrian access into Tramore Valley Park from the Ballyphehane side.

The council has allocated €70,000 for a feasibility study to look into what will likely be a bridge like the one on the Grange/Frankfield side.

The council told Mr Rice, “There are three pedestrian access routes to Tramore Valley Park, the last access point seeing the opening of the link from Grange/Frankfield.

“Earlier this year the city council secured an initial grant allocation of €70,000 to examine the feasibility of establishing a new improved east-west link into Tramore Valley Park,” they said.

“This funding will also help progress the preparation of a scheme brief which could be used for the procurement of a design team in the coming year (subject to continued funding) with a view to the developing preliminary proposals for such a new connection.”

They added, “The overall concept is at an early stage and related progress will be advised to Members in the period ahead.”

Mr Rice told The Echo, “Tramore Valley Park is a fantastic amenity but hasn’t reached its full potential. It needs more investment from Cork City Council.

“The city council needs to improve pedestrian access to Tramore Valley Park from the west side of the park.

“It is great that we have the new bridge connecting Grange and Frankfield to Tramore Valley Park, but the people in Ballyphehane and Turner’s Cross can’t be left behind.

“We need better pedestrian access from the west side of the park, too,” he said, adding “We have to make it easier for everyone to walk or cycle to the park.”

After raising it in council, Mr Rice said he was “delighted that Cork City Council has now secured an initial grant of €70,000 to look at the options for better pedestrian access to this excellent piece of infrastructure.”

He said, “This is an important first step. But it is just that. I’ll keep campaigning to ensure this project gets delivered over the next few years.

“In addition to the new access point, I would also like to see a playground in the park, as well as a dog park, more seats and more bins.”