Furious residents worried about scale of tree-felling in Cork's first neighbourhood cycle scheme

Chris O’Leary, a former city councillor and Lord Mayor, said: 'This is not anti-cyclist... the criticism is of the process of public consultation'

The proposed Mahon Cycling Scheme sets out to build an almost 5.5km network of segregated safe cycle paths, bike lanes, and footpaths on several roads in the suburb, to create the city's first 20-minute neighbourhood. File picture: Larry Cummins

Furious residents have called for a halt to construction on Cork’s first neighbourhood cycle scheme amid mounting criticism about consultation and tree-felling.

More than 300 people in the Mahon area have signed a petition, set up by former Lord Mayor Chris O’Leary, a local resident, calling on Cork City Council to pause work on its massive €6m Mahon cycle lane scheme which sets out to build an almost 5.5km network of segregated safe cycle paths, bike lanes, and footpaths on several roads in the suburb, to create the city's first 20-minute neighbourhood.

The scheme was advertised publicly in print and online in April 2022 for public consultation and it was the focus of public information events in the area. But according to the council’s consultation portal, no submissions were made online.

Following a report on the feedback received during public consultation, the scheme secured planning approval last year, and construction crews have moved into the area in recent days. The work is expected to take up to 18 months to complete.

But Mr O’Leary said dozens of residents have contacted him in recent days saying they knew nothing about the project and expressing concerns about the extent of the work. They have also voiced concerns about the scale of tree-felling.

Mr O’Leary, a former city councillor and Lord Mayor, and Sinn Féin candidate in the local elections, said not enough was done to ensure the community engagement process was meaningful and effective.

“This is not anti-cyclist, this is a great investment in the community — the criticism is of the process of public consultation,” he said.

“Most of the people I’ve spoken to about this project weren’t aware of the details, and most don’t want it.” 

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A council spokesperson said Section 38 planning notices for the scheme were published in the Irish Examiner, The Echo, and on the council’s consultation portal on April 29, 2022, with submissions open until June 14.

She said the council also held a public information session on the scheme in Mahon Community Centre on June 2, 2022, which was widely advertised locally with posters in the church, local shops, creche, community centre, and Oakgrove Leisure Centre.

“About 50 people attended the information session. We got 29 submissions on the consultation in total,” she said.

She also said 44 trees are identified for felling but that some 200 semi-mature trees will be re-planted, as well as extensive low-level shrubs, hedgerows, and pollinator-friendly planting across the scheme.