Preferred route for Cork to Kinsale greenway due early next year

The preferred route corridor for the proposed Cork to Kinsale greenway is expected to be published early next year, with a further public consultation on Bandon greenways planned for the same period. 

Cork County Council outlined the next stages as individual meetings with landowners continue across several greenway projects.

The Cork to Kinsale route is nearing the end of its options-selection phase, with publication of the preferred corridor targeted for the first quarter of 2027. The scheme will progress in sections, covering Cork City towards Crossbarry, Ballinhassig to Riverstick, and Riverstick to Kinsale.

Landowner meetings for the northern section were scheduled during October. The project has a €300,000 allocation for 2026. 

At the council’s Western Division committee, Fine Gael councillor John Michael Foley sought an update on how landowner discussions were progressing for the Bandon greenways.

Positive feedback

The council’s director of services for roads and transport, Pádraig Barrett, described the feedback as positive.

He said: “We’ve had very good engagement with landowners.” 

Mr Barrett stressed the projects remained at a preliminary stage, with officials still working to identify routes. The council’s written report says a third public consultation on the Bandon proposals is planned for the first quarter of 2027, following the current round of individual landowner meetings.

Meanwhile, options are still being assessed for three proposed routes linking Skibbereen with Baltimore, Drimoleague and Schull. Landowner meetings took place over three days at the end of September, and councillors were briefed on the feedback on October 5. The Skibbereen projects have a €500,000 allocation for 2026.

Social Democrats councillor Ann Bambury also welcomed progress on the walking route from Bandon Rugby Club towards the civic amenity site. The council has progressed works on a 1.3km section and sought Transport Infrastructure Ireland approval to acquire additional land to extend the link to Gaggin Community Centre.

Cllr Bambury said the extension would provide a natural connection and an alternative route for residents, including those living in newer housing in the area. 

Mr Barrett said the Bandon route demonstrated what could be achieved through cooperation with landowners.

This article is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.