Cork County Council has secured almost €20 million additional funding for the development of the Midleton Youghal Greenway.

The Greenway follows the route of the disused railway line from Midleton Train Station to the former Youghal Train Station.

The Department of Transport funding for the development will now be provided at a rate of 100%. The overall funding secured by the Council stands at €19.8 million.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Councillor Mary Linehan Foley, said: "Increased funding for the Midleton Youghal Greenway is a very positive story for East Cork and underscores the value of investing in our walking and cycling amenities which have been so important to local communities, particularly in recent months. The Greenway has huge potential to support our local communities and businesses in the post-Covid recovery and will be a major tourism asset not just for the local area but for the wider county."

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Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey said: "This is a very positive result for County Cork and completion of this project over the next two years will be a priority for the Council. The Greenway has the potential to be transformational for the area. Not only will it support sustainable transport initiatives by enhancing and extending cycling infrastructure within the county, it will also have significant amenity benefits and will contribute positively to health, wellbeing and overall quality of life, as well as climate adaptation."

Site clearance works currently being completed will see the removal of vegetation and remaining rails and railway sleepers as the first phase of the construction stage. Significant effort has been made to retain existing trees and hedgerows along the route corridor to protect habitat, conserve biodiversity and create opportunities for landscape and environment enhancement.

Construction works will commence in 2021 with planned completion in late 2022.