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.

Midleton — Youghal rail trail

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]

Mallow — Fermoy — Dungarvan

In 2022, the possibility of linking Mallow to the existing Waterford Greenway and Suir blueway was examined.[5][6][1][7]

Cork Harbour Greenway

Path near former Blackrock station

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 BlackpoolCork tram line,[8][9] and Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway.[10][11]

References

  1. ^ a b "Plan to unite three of Ireland's most popular greenways could attract 1.5m walkers and cyclists every year". Independent.ie.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ "Midleton Youghal Greenway". Cork County Council.
  5. ^ "First major Cork greenway could lure 250,000 visitors a year – council chief". The Irish Times.
  6. ^ "Councils to Examine Feasibility of New Greenway Linking Mallow and Dungarvan". Cork County Council. 7 March 2022.
  7. ^ "Connection between Greenway and Blueway set to be examined". Waterford News and Star. 30 June 2022.
  8. ^ "Cork Harbour Greenway – takemewalking.com". 1 September 2020.
  9. ^ "Cork Harbour Greenway". Greenway.photography. 26 October 2020.
  10. ^ McAuley, Eimer (15 July 2022). "Section of popular Cork greenway reopens after 15-month revamp". Irish Examiner.
  11. ^ "Old railway line delays explained". Cork Independent.