Two new active travel projects have been completed in West Cork, providing upgraded pedestrian and cycle infrastructure in Clonakilty and Bandon.

The schemes were delivered with funding from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), with works carried out by Martin O'Callaghan Ltd and Priority Construction.

In Clonakilty, the N71 Gallanes Active Travel project extends the existing Joe Walsh Walkway, which opened in 2019. The works included the delivery of a further 1km segregated route through the West Cork Technology Park, connecting the town to Clonakilty Rugby Club. The project also included the construction of a new car park, installation of lighting, provision of picnic tables, and the addition of a safe road crossing.

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In Bandon, the Clare O'Leary Walkway has been extended by 1km, bringing the total length of the three-metre-wide off-road path to 2.7km. The upgrade also introduced a new amenity space with seating and picnic facilities, improving both accessibility and usability for the local community.

Officially opening the completed schemes, Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, said: "The opening of the N71 Active Travel schemes in Bandon and Clonakilty marks an exciting milestone for both communities. These projects will deliver a wide range of benefits—safer routes for students travelling to school, healthier and more sustainable options for short local journeys, and improvements in overall wellbeing."

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, added: "The development of safe, segregated walking and cycling routes is the foundation of Cork County Council's Active Travel strategy. The extensions in Clonakilty and Bandon are part of a wider, long-term vision to create a comprehensive network of high-quality, accessible routes that encourage people to walk, cycle and choose more sustainable ways to travel."