Protesters gather outside County Hall voicing opposition to Cork greenway route   

Up to 70 people attended a peaceful protest this week at Cork County Hall to highlight opposition to the proposed Cork to Kinsale Greenway route.

The protest, attended by local farmers, homeowners, and campaign supporters, saw protesters carrying placards and banners to emphasise their call for respectful engagement, fair consultation, and protection of rural communities.

On the same day, Independent Ireland councillor for the Bandon-Kinsale local electoral area, John Collins, formally raised a motion to the council opposing the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) in relation to the greenway project.

Growing concern

The motion reflects growing concern from landowners, farmers, and local residents over the potential impact of CPOs on private property and farmland.

Mr Collins said that his motion stressed the need to find a collaborative solution for everyone impacted by the proposed scheme.

“This community is not against greenways or tourism development,” said Mr Collins.

“We are against the forced removal of land through CPOs when alternatives exist. Genuine dialogue with landowners must be at the heart of this process.”

Protesters also highlighted wider concerns including farm severance, loss of privacy, threats to biosecurity and wildlife displacement, as well as increased risks of littering and rural security issues.

Organisers of the protest reiterated that they are open to working constructively with Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to find a route that benefits all stakeholders without undermining farm viability or property rights.

No objections to motion 

There were no objections put forward against Mr Collins’ motion, which will now be considered within the council’s ongoing discussions on the greenway project.

In addition to Mr Collins’ motion, Fianna Fáil councillor for the Bandon-Kinsale local electoral area, Gillian Coughlan, will put forward a motion on September 22, asking: “That Cork County Council would commit to reviewing the route in consultation with landowners so as to minimise the material impact on agricultural and private holdings.”

Landowners and residents are continuing to stand firmly against compulsory land takes, with an online petition still active and seeking signatures at https://tinyurl.com/mw6cd9wb.