Farmers to be consulted on 23km walkway
Councillors expressed delight at the results of a feasibility study which shows the merits of opening up the former railway line between Clonakilty and Courtmacsherry for tourism and recreation purposes.
The idea was raised by Dunmanway-based farmer and county councillor Declan Hurley in Apr 2011, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the closure of the West Cork Railway.
Eoin Greene, a consultant from United Resource Services, carried out the study and said it would cost about €3.2m to bring the disused section of railway line up to European standard for walkways and cycleways.
“It could be marketed extremely well alongside the Wild Atlantic Way,” he said.
Six sections within the 23km route could be done on a phased basis if the council was strapped for cash, Mr Greene said.
Most of the route is open, but farmers have taken over some of the land.
Mr Hurley said other sections of the old railway in West Cork could also be turned into walkways and cycleways in the years ahead, agreeing with Mr Greene’s assessment that similar routes could be opened up in Kinsale, Skibbereen, Baltimore, and Bantry.
In total there are 193km of former railway lines in the region.
Cllr John O’Sullivan (FG), who is himself a farmer, said it is vital that council officials quickly enter talks with farmers along the route.
“Landowners are conservative and we’ve got to address any fears they have before making any brash statements about moving on with this project,” he said.
“That has to be our next step. We have to give them the option to see how it works and take them to Co Mayo to see a similar project there if necessary.”
