New 2.3km greenway planned connecting Cornelscourt to Cherrywood
A 2.3km greenway has been proposed in Cabinteely, connecting Cornelscourt and Cherrywood.
Executive Parks Superintendent at Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLRCC), Marc Campbell, told councillors that the project has been planned to make the route safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
“A similar project was put forward in 2015 and it didn’t work out for a number of reasons,” he said.
“But now transportation has gotten much more important, that’s why this plan has moved forward.”
The plan attempts to connect schools, facilities, public transport routes and green spaces along the N11.
“This area was chosen because we recognised there’s a lack of safe, accessible crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists along the route,” he said.
“There’s poor connectivity for people wishing to travel from Cornelscourt through to Cabinteely Park and to the wider Cherrywood area.
“Provision for cyclists was virtually non-existent, it wasn’t safe.”
Mr Campbell said the new route would make everyday journeys to school and work easier for people living in the area, with safer local journeys, reduced car usage and more access to public transport.
“The route is a strategic link between the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown cycle network plan and the greater Dublin cycle network plan,” he said.
“This was chosen over the other routes we considered because it will not impact existing traffic along that route. It is currently too tight for cyclists to travel on without having a significant impact on the traffic.
“The N11 is a high traffic, high speed road that can really intimidate a lot of cyclists – it will be a safer and quieter option without affecting the vehicular traffic in the area.”
A stage of public consultation for the plan concluded last year. The council is currently in the design phase, and will hold more consultations, door-to-door campaigns and surveys to get feedback from locals.
The council will present a completed report early next year.
Green Party councillor Tom Kivlehan said: “This project has been muted for a very long time, it’s very good to see that it’s finally getting there.
“I’ve lived in Cherrywood for 20 years. It will be good to connect the area all through Cabinteely Park and to the schools on the other side. It can be very useful for locals.”