Residents ready to oppose rail plan flyover

A BATTLE is looming over plans to build a flyover in an historic city quarter as part of the reopening of the Cork to Midleton rail line.

Residents on the Lower Glanmire Road claimed yesterday that a new flyover, proposed between the Skew bridge and Water Street, would destroy city views which have remained unchanged for over 100 years.

They welcomed the reopening of the railway line.

“However, to build a big, ugly flyover on one of the most picturesque entrances to a town or city in the country is truly misconceived,” spokesman Margaret Corcoran said.

“None of my neighbours want to see this go ahead and we will fight it all the way.”

As part of the rail line reopening project, Iarnród Éireann wants to build one of two types of flyovers — either an arch bridge or a cable-stayed bridge — at Carrig House between the historic Myrtleville Terrace and Bellevue Villas.

They also plan to close level crossings at Myrtle Hill Terrace and Bellevue Villas.

But Ms Corcoran said there was no need for the flyover.

Residents in over 25 residences, which were built in the early 19th century and which predate the railway line, use these level crossings.

“People have been crossing the tracks by level crossing for over 150 years and there have been no problems in the past. Why change now?” she said.

There are also plans to build a slipway on to the bridge from the foreshore of the River Lee.

“The beautiful, peaceful scene — the majestic River Lee on the left, the three historic terraces below the Montenotte/Tivoli Ridge — is well loved by locals and visitors alike,” Ms Corcoran said.

“The houses pre-date the train line and nothing should be done to interfere with this vista which has been enjoyed by generations of Cork people and visitors to the city.

“It would be a travesty to ruin this view which, when driving into Cork city, is unparalleled.”

The Cork to Midleton rail project proposes to reopen 10 kilometres of track from Glounthaune to Midleton. New stations will be built at Carrigtwohill and Midleton.

A public inquiry into an application by CIÉ for a railway order — the equivalent of planning permission — will take place at the Midleton Park Hotel from October 31 to November 3 at which an inspector will hear the views of residents and landowners.

The Lower Glanmire Road residents have engaged a solicitor to represent them at the hearing.

Detailed design and tender works for the line reopening should begin by the end of this year, with construction taking place from early next year to the latter half of 2008.