Cork City Council has launched a public consultation on Phase 2 of the Glanmire to City Cycle Route.

The Glanmire to City Cycle Route Phase 2 will provide additional sustainable transport options with 4.9 kilometres of new and improved pedestrian and cycle facilities from Tivoli/Dunkettle to Michael Collins Bridge in the city centre. The scheme will link to the Glanmire to City Cycle Route Phase 1 (currently under construction) and the Carrigtwohill to Dunkettle greenway, which has been completed. Proposed public realm enhancements as part of the scheme will deliver high quality recreational space and improved urban biodiversity and playful elements for younger users. The project will be funded by the National Transport Authority.

The Glanmire to City Cycle Route Phase 2 includes the following key features:

• 4.9 kilometres of safe shared and segregated two-way pedestrian and cycle paths from Michael Collins Bridge in the city to Dunkettle

• Separation of pedestrian and cycle facilities from busy roadway via route through private lands off Water Street, Port of Cork Gardens (Lower Glanmire Road) and Tivoli Estate

-- Advertisement --

• Two new pedestrian and cycle bridges

• Over dry-dock off Water Street to allow continuity of cycle track and footpath by avoiding pinch point of Water Street / Lower Glanmire Road junction

• Over the railway line at Dunkettle, linking onto Glanmire to City Cycle Route Phase 1 and the Carrigtwohill to Dunkettle Greenway

• Enhanced public lighting along the route

• Improved public realm and recreational space, including play facilities

Gerry O'Beirne, Director of Infrastructure Development at Cork City Council, said that the proposals, which now go out to formal public consultation under the Part 8 Planning process, were essential for the improvement of sustainable transport in the city, and supporting sustainable growth.

"The National Planning Framework 2040 envisages that Cork will become the fastest growing city region in Ireland with a projected 50% to 60% increase in its population up to 2040. This growth is very positive but it means that new sustainable transport options must be provided in Cork. There is limited capacity for increased motor traffic on our roads and if the city is to function well and prosper, we need to deliver and promote sustainable modes of transport," he said.

"These proposals align with Cork City Council’s broader regeneration plans for the North Docks and Tivoli areas. Over the course of the next decade there will be significant private sector and public sector investment in the Cork Docklands which will transform the area into a world class destination including high quality quayside amenity spaces. The Glanmire to City Cycle Route (Phase 2) establishes a walking and cycling route through the North Docks and Tivoli which will be enhanced over time with significant investment in the public realm as the area develops."

The scheme is a key component in the Department of Transport’s “Pathfinder” Inter-Urban Cork to Waterford project, which will establish the first city-to-city cycling route in Ireland. Cork County Council and Waterford City & County Council are progressing similar schemes that will eventually see a fully connected cycle way from Cork City to Waterford City, via Midleton, Youghal and the Dungarvan Greenway.