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 yet used officially.
Main article: Cork and Youghal Railway |
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]
In 2022, the possibility of linking Mallow to the existing Waterford Greenway and Suir blueway was examined.[5][6][1][7]
Main article: Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway § Greenway replacement |
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,[8][9] and Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway.[10][11]