'A big win for residents': Protests change cycle path project to save trees in Cork suburb

Construction fencing around works on Knockpogue Avenue. The scheme aims to deliver safer, more sustainable transport facilities along with a full renovation of the public realm and the utility services, including watermains, surface drainage and public lighting. Picture: Larry Cummins

Changes to a controversial active travel scheme in a Cork suburb have saved 12 trees which had been proposed to be removed.

The changes come following mass protests over the removal of 22 trees, as well as parking, as part of Knockpogue Avenue and Knockfree Avenue Improvement Scheme in Farranree.

The scheme aims to deliver safer, more sustainable transport facilities along with a full renovation of the public realm and the utility services, including watermains, surface drainage and public lighting.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council said councillors and council engineers recently met with residents “to review and assess potential amendments to the works at Knockfree Avenue so as to reduce the number of trees to be removed or replaced in the delivery of the scheme”.

The amendments will ensure the provision of the required active travel, parking and public realm improvements and require the removal of a reduced number of trees, 10 compared to the 22 previously proposed.

The plans “are subject to National Transport Authority (NTA) approval, ongoing stakeholder engagement and successful trial delivery, including related road safety audits,” the spokesperson said.

Works on the €7m scheme, funded by way of a grant from the NTA under the Active Travel Programme, are now 60% complete, they added.

Sharon Hussey, one of the residents who has been protesting the scheme, said residents are very happy.

“We feel heard finally after over nine months fighting for it. It’s a big win for the residents — we also will gain more parking in some areas too.” 

People Before Profit – Solidarity councillor Brian McCarthy said: “This is a massive win for the community, and a real example of what people power can do.

“Twelve months ago when the protests started, the council said ‘no, absolutely not, can’t make any changes the trees all have to come down’ — now here we are.

The community were very organised, they stood their ground and had huge public support. Just a few weeks ago they had the biggest community-based protest the northside has seen in 19 years, that really pulled the council up short.

“They knew then there was no way they were going to be able to go ahead with their plans and they came back to the table with a completely different attitude.” 

Sinn Féin councillor Kenneth Collins said: “This is a step in the right direction, we need to see these plans now delivered.

“I want to commend our community who stood together, respectfully and constructively throughout. It shouldn’t have taken a battle to reach compromise but thankfully we will now see positive changes in our community.”