€7m boost for greenway and active travel projects across Co Cork

Greenway and active travel projects across Co Cork are set to benefit from government funding worth just shy of €7m.

The €6,970,000 sum, which has been announced for projects managed by Cork County Council, comes through Transport Infrastructure Ireland and is part of a national allocation worth €67m.

The funding is for projects dedicated to developing walking and cycling facilities that offer safe, sustainable, and healthier transportation options to communities.

The single largest allocation in Cork is a €2m investment in the M28 Ringaskiddy active travel scheme.

The N71 Gallanes active travel scheme is to receive an allocation of €1.4m and the West Cork Schull greenway will get €1.2m, while the Glasslinn Rd active travel scheme is to receive €670,000. The Cork to Kinsale greenway will receive an allocation of €650,000, while the Midleton to Youghal greenway is to get €500,000.

The N22 Baile Bhuirne to Macroom active travel scheme will receive €200,000.

The N8 cycleway from Tivoli to Little Island will receive €50,000, as will the Mallow to Dungarvan greenway.

Cork County Council will receive an additional allocation of €250,000 in regional greenways support.

Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central and minister of state at the Department of Transport, said the funding announcement was very welcome and he looks forward to the delivery of new and expanded routes in the coming years. He added: 

“Greenways have represented a tremendous success for rural Ireland, showcasing our beautiful landscape, bringing visitors to overlooked areas, and helping small local businesses to thrive.”

Christopher O’Sullivan, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South West and minister of state at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, described the potential tourism benefits of the projects to receive funding as “incredible”. He said: “The fact these particular pieces of greenway will connect the city to West Cork is a gamechanger in terms of economic development and tourism.”

However, Labour Party TD for Cork North Central Eoghan Kenny described the €50,000 allocated to the Mallow to Dungarvan greenway as “measly”. He said: “This is a disgraceful amount of money and a kick in the teeth to the people of North Cork and those on Cork County Council who have worked extremely hard on this project to date.”

Una McCarthy, Fine Gael councillor in the Carrigaline area, said allocating funding for active travel and greenways was a smart decision by the Government. 

“It enhances the environment, boosts public health, strengthens community connections, stimulates the local economy, and contributes to a more sustainable and resilient future,” she said.

Gillian Coughlan, Fianna Fáil councillor in the Bandon-Kinsale local electoral area, said the Cork to Kinsale greenway had the potential take hundreds of cars off the roads.

She added: “I see the greenway as an essential piece of active travel infrastructure in this area, catering in part to large multinationals which employ hundreds of people as well as to local leisure and tourist interests.”