Funding of €8 million has been approved and allocated to the development of a linear, high quality Greenway on the route of the disused railway line between Midleton and Youghal.
The project involves the development of the abandoned railway line as a cycle and pedestrian route linking the towns of Midleton and Youghal, connecting to the villages of Mogeely and Killeagh. This Greenway presents an opportunity to develop a safe environment for both residents and visitors and to promote rural development in the area, active tourism and local employment.
The chosen route is ideally suited due to favourable topography and gentle gradient which will appeal to leisure walkers and cyclists while providing a safe and attractive facility for all abilities. The Midleton to Youghal Greenway developed in line with national standards and so will be 23km in length and no more than 4m in width.
Speaking of the development, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy recognised the importance of this greenway as an addition to tourism facilities in Cork, “The Midleton to Youghal Greenway will strengthen the attractiveness of East Cork in general as well as Youghal and Midleton in particular.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey noted the importance of amenities such as greenways in terms of attracting tourists and also in supporting the local economy, “This greenway will form a fantastic local recreational amenity and form a key feature in promoting a sense of place and pride for its residents.”
The Midleton to Youghal Greenway will also traverse an area known as Ballvergan Marsh where it is proposed to create a boardwalk structure over a distance of approximately 2.58km. This will form a wildlife viewing point over this varied habitat which already contains a number of bird hides.