Cork-Kinsale Greenway Faces Backlash Amid Public Outcry

Plans for the proposed Cork-Kinsale greenway have sparked significant opposition from local residents, leading to heated exchanges between council officials and objectors. Former mayor and current Fianna Fáil councillor Gillian Coughlan reported that both councillors and council staff have faced verbal abuse in response to the project. She stated, “The current plan has no chance of getting over the line now,” emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of the proposal.

The anger from property owners along the proposed route stems from what many see as inadequate public consultation. Coughlan noted that some farms could be bisected by the greenway, intensifying local concerns. She urged the council to reconsider its approach, suggesting that the project be implemented in phases. “We should have painstakingly knocked on doors, and then we could have had a better outcome,” she remarked, indicating that goodwill has diminished due to the lack of dialogue.

Support for Coughlan’s position came from fellow councillor Patrick Donovan, who highlighted that approximately 1,700 letters were dispatched to property owners, yet many contained incorrect addresses. This miscommunication further fueled dissatisfaction among residents. Independent councillor Alan Coleman stated that submissions from the public are currently being compiled and proposed a meeting between council executives and representatives from the objectors’ group.

Coleman emphasized the importance of direct engagement, saying, “It simply cannot proceed in its current form. We need a pause on this and we need to relook at it.” Fellow councillor John Collins echoed this sentiment, advocating for a thorough reassessment of the project.

In response to the backlash, Moira Murrell, the council’s chief executive, revealed that approximately 2,000 submissions have been received from the public regarding the greenway. She defended the council’s level of engagement, stating, “We will have to go through them and reflect on them. There are some practical ideas and suggestions in them.”

Councillors have called for improved consultation moving forward. Audrey Buckley, another Fianna Fáil member, stated that property owners have expressed their distress about the situation, stressing the need for proper engagement in future discussions. Social Democrats councillor Ann Bambury suggested that the council consider phasing the project to minimize disruption, while Kinsale-based Fine Gael councillor Marie O’Sullivan added that the least invasive options should be prioritized to avoid further conflict.

As the council navigates these challenges, the future of the Cork-Kinsale greenway remains uncertain. The local government is faced with the task of balancing community concerns with the potential benefits of the greenway initiative.