Locals call for pedestrian works in Cork village to be expedited

Residents of Kerry Pike have called for a pedestrian improvement scheme in the area to be expedited, describing the current situation as dangerous.

A Cork City Council spokesperson told The Echo that the project “is progressing through the detailed design and land negotiation phases”.

“We anticipate construction to commence in Q1 2026, pending confirmation of annual NTA funding.

“The scheme includes a continuous footpath along one side of the village and traffic calming measures, as approved under Section 38 planning.”

Fine Gael councillor Damian Boylan said that currently the council is discussing land purchases with owners to facilitate the works, and then a detailed design will be issued.

Unfortunate

“As these are annual awards for funding, it will most likely be next year’s funding round (Q1) when the project gets delivered,” he said.

“It’s unfortunate, but like all big schemes, they always run the risk of taking time to deliver.”

Fianna Fáil councillor John Sheehan also told The Echo he was keen to see the scheme progressed.

“We’d like the scheme to happen as soon as possible, officials are very confident they will get the full funding, as they have for similar schemes in Lehenaghmore and Mahon.

“Realistically, it will probably be around this time next year, given national funding schemes and their timelines — I’ll be putting pressure on to try and get it done faster.”

Increased

Clogheen/Kerry Pike Community Association chairman Iain McGregor told The Echo that the amount of housing in the area has increased in the last 10 years, but with no infrastructure to match.

“Last year, there was a chink of light hearing this pedestrian improvement scheme announced,” he said.

However, he fears that the start date for works could be pushed out even further than Q1 2026.

“There are new housing estates being granted permission off the back of this scheme — at the moment children can’t walk to school, can’t even cross the road to the school.”

As well as the footpath, locals also want roads in the area to be improved and traffic calming measures implemented, he said.

Local residents intend to hold a protest on the issue on May 17, but Mr McGregor said that they have held previous protests and “nothing has been done”.