Safety concerns over narrow footpath in West Cork village used by CoAction clients

Councillors heard staff and service users at the CoAction hub had raised concerns in Ballydehob, where the footpath is particularly narrow and low

Councillor sought a pedestrian crossing in the centre of Ballydehob, saying it would provide a safe place for people to cross the road.

Concerns have been raised about the safety of a narrow footpath used by people attending CoAction services in Ballydehob, West Cork.

Fine Gael councillor Caroline Cronin has called for a safety assessment of the route on Store Road, where she said staff and service users have highlighted difficulties caused by the narrow and low footpath, particularly for those with mobility issues or using mobility aids.

She asked Cork County Council to examine what improvements could be made, particularly for people with mobility difficulties and those using mobility aids.

Ms Cronin raised the issue at the council’s Western Division committee as part of a request for safer pedestrian routes in Ballydehob and Schull. 

She said CoAction service users and staff regularly used the Ballydehob route to reach the shop, with some service users wishing to make the journey independently.

Ms Cronin said the concerns needed to be addressed to make the route safer. She also sought a pedestrian crossing in the centre of Ballydehob, saying it would provide a safe place for people to cross the road. 

While welcoming footpath improvements already carried out in the village, she said a crossing was still needed.

Ms Cronin raised a similar request for Schull, suggesting a crossing between the shop and post office to improve access through the village centre. 

She said that area should also be examined as a possible location for the village’s disabled parking space.

The lower point on Main Street could offer a more practical and accessible option, she suggested.

Ms Cronin asked the roads team to assess the locations with a view to progressing the safety requests. 

She said: “These are much-needed improvements to our village streets.” 

The council’s director of services for roads and transport, Pádraig Barrett, said officials would examine the Schull crossing request and assess what was needed. 

Mr Barrett said the council would explore whether funding could be secured through a future low-cost safety programme.

• This article is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme