Landmark viaduct may form part of greenway along disused rail line

The landmark viaduct on the western outskirts of Cork City may form part of one of two major cycling and walking “greenways” to be developed along West Cork’s disused rail lines.

A grant of €60,000 has been awarded to Cork County Council to advance the ambitious plans for the West Cork Abandoned Rail Lines Greenway project.

The scheme aims to develop some of the 188km of abandoned lines on the former Cork to Bandon and South Coast railway routes as dedicated off-road cycle and walking routes.

The funding will be split evenly to advance the planning and development of the Cork to Kinsale section and the Ballinascarthy to Courtmacsherry section.

The 36km Cork to Kinsale greenway will incorporate the Chetwynd and Halfway Viaducts, and Ireland’s longest railway tunnel at Ballinhassig.

The funding will be used for specialist engineering input so that the structural stability of these landmarks can be determined and recommendations made on how best to adapt them for use on the proposed route.

The Ballinascarthy to Courtmacsherry greenway will be predominantly off- road, with a 4.5km coastal section from Timoleague to Courtmacsherry already developed thanks to local community groups as part of the Seven Heads Walk.

There was a widespread welcome for the funding.

“Greenways such as these will help to give West Cork the edge over other areas and encourage tourists to pay us a visit,” said Fine Gael TD Jim Daly.

Labour TD Michael McCarthy said: “This has economic potential for local businesses, the community and will undoubtedly become a tourism asset in the area.”

Courtmacsherry-based councillor John O’Sullivan said the development of greenways in Co Mayo has increased tourism and economic activity.

“I am appealing for pro-active engagement by the landowners in West Cork and the communities to see if this project can become a reality here,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Kerry, a cycleway is to be developed along the abandoned railway line between Glenbeigh and Renard near Cahersiveen.

The 26km route will run parallel but over the Ring of Kerry roadway offering views on the peninsula.

The Department of Transport has allocated €50,000 towards the route.

The grant will mostly be used for the design and planning of the Greenway.