Tensions Rise Over Proposed Cork-Kinsale Greenway Project

Residents along the proposed route of the Cork-Kinsale greenway in County Cork have expressed significant opposition, leading to escalating tensions between local authorities and the community. Former mayor and Fianna Fáil councillor Gillian Coughlan reported receiving verbal abuse directed at councillors and council staff from objectors, stating that the current plan “has no chance of getting over the line now.”

Coughlan highlighted that the anger from property owners is understandable, attributing it to a perceived lack of adequate public consultation. She pointed out that some farms could potentially be divided by the project, intensifying local concerns. “We [the council] should have painstakingly knocked on doors and then we could have had a better outcome,” Coughlan remarked. She proposed that the council revisit the project in increments, engaging more effectively with the community.

Fellow councillor Patrick Donovan supported this sentiment, suggesting that some portions of the project could potentially utilize publicly-owned land. He noted that approximately 1,700 letters had been distributed to property owners, but many were inaccurately addressed.

On the other hand, independent councillor Alan Coleman indicated that the council is currently reviewing submissions from the public. He recommended a meeting with a delegation representing the objectors and the chairs of the municipal district councils involved. “It simply cannot proceed in its current form. We need a pause on this and we need to relook at it,” stated independent councillor John Collins.

Councillor Audrey Buckley also acknowledged the upset expressed by property owners, emphasizing the need for proper consultation moving forward. Ann Bambury, from the Social Democrats, echoed this call, proposing that the council consider phasing the project to minimize disruption. Fellow councillor Marie O’Sullivan of Fine Gael highlighted the importance of finding the least invasive method to avoid further conflict.

In response to the backlash, council chief executive Moira Murrell confirmed that the council had received approximately 2,000 submissions from the public regarding the greenway plan. She noted that the council is still in the early stages of public consultation and defended the level of engagement with property owners. “We will have to go through them [the submissions] and reflect on them. There are some practical ideas and suggestions in them,” Murrell stated. In regard to Coleman’s suggestion for a meeting with objectors, she indicated that discussions with senior staff and managers from the relevant municipal districts would be pursued.

The Cork-Kinsale greenway has the potential to enhance local connectivity and promote sustainable transport, but the current opposition reflects a critical need for more comprehensive engagement with the community. As discussions continue, local authorities must navigate the delicate balance between development and resident concerns.