County Cork has a number of rail-trails and greenways and, as of 2022, there are plans and proposals at various stages of preparation to create a network of walking trails for the county. The term "Cork Greenway" has been used in press coverage,[1] but is not used officially.
Midleton — Youghal rail trail
In July 2015, Irish Rail indicated they had no intention of re-opening the Midleton to Youghal section of the Cork and Youghal Railway as funds would be better spent on the existing network. They indicated support for a greenway, as it would free them from existing maintenance costs whilst retaining a license to re-open the route in the event that became an option.[2] By April 2020, a €15 million euro project to open the Midleton to Youghal Greenway had begun but was being delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] The proposed trail would measure 23 kilometres.[4]
The first section of the greenway was opened in March 2024.[5] The trailheads, for the initial 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) stretch,[6] are Midleton and Mogeely, with construction due to be complete on the whole trail by the end of 2024.[7] Killeagh is also due to be part of the route.[4]
In July 2024, Dáil deputy David Stanton proposed that one side of the disused line be used as a bus corridor.[8]
Mallow — Fermoy — Dungarvan
In 2022, the possibility of linking Mallow to the existing Waterford Greenway and Suir blueway was examined.[9][10][1][11]
Cork Harbour Greenway
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4f/Former_Blackrock_Station%2C_Cork._-_geograph.org.uk_-_76745.jpg/220px-Former_Blackrock_Station%2C_Cork._-_geograph.org.uk_-_76745.jpg)
The Cork Harbour Greenway runs from Páirc Uí Chaoimh stadium to Passage West, along the route of the former Cork Electric Tramways and Lighting Company Blackpool — Cork tram line,[12][13] and Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway.[14][15]
References
- ^ a b "Plan to unite three of Ireland's most popular greenways could attract 1.5m walkers and cyclists every year". Independent.ie.
- ^ McNamara, Rob (1 November 2018). "Irish Rail rules out reopening Youghal to Midleton line, backs greenway development". EchoLive.ie. Archived from the original on 7 July 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- ^ Graham, Breda (19 April 2020). "Concern that coronavirus will threaten ambitious plans for Cork greenways". EchoLive.ie. Archived from the original on 23 April 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- ^ a b "Midleton Youghal Greenway". Cork County Council.
- ^ Parker, Christy (7 March 2024). "Section of Midleton to Youghal greenway officially open". Irish Examiner.
- ^ "Midleton to Youghal Greenway". SportIreland.ie.
- ^ Lawrance, Thomas (9 February 2024). "First stretch of Midleton Youghal Greenway to open in East Cork next month". Cork Beo.
- ^ Stanton, David (10 July 2024). Topical Issue Debate - Public Transport (Speech). Oireachtas.ie.
- ^ Roche, Barry (1 February 2021). "First major Cork greenway could lure 250,000 visitors a year – council chief". The Irish Times.
- ^ "Councils to Examine Feasibility of New Greenway Linking Mallow and Dungarvan". Cork County Council. 7 March 2022.
- ^ Quinn, Claire (30 June 2022). "Connection between Greenway and Blueway set to be examined". Waterford News and Star. Archived from the original on 30 June 2022.
- ^ "Cork Harbour Greenway". TakeMeWalking.com. 1 September 2020.
- ^ "Cork Harbour Greenway". Greenway.photography. 26 October 2020.
- ^ McAuley, Eimer (15 July 2022). "Section of popular Cork greenway reopens after 15-month revamp". Irish Examiner.
- ^ Ryan, Niamh Aine (11 May 2022). "Old railway line delays explained". Cork Independent.
External links
- Greenways page at Cork County Council website