The first item in table 4.3 Walking and Cycling Improvements is the Lee to Sea. It heartening to see the council including Lee to Sea in discussions in the draft development plan, but it needs an objective of its own, not just a discussion in the table. In addition to its tourism potential, the Lee to Sea provides an opportunity for people to carry out their daily tasks in a way that provides exercise and improves mental and physical health; has no emissions, thereby improving air quality and reducing noise pollution; and reduces congestion. The Lee to Sea has the potential to be the backbone of a strategic and well-designed cycle and walking network that makes Cork a national and international leader in sustainable transport.
It is interesting to see that other local authorities are embracing the role that greenways can play in the development of their cities and counties. In Limerick, the draft development plan (2022-2028) has three objectives that address greenways. Strikingly the longest and most detailed objective is in the strong economy chapter, emphasising the impact that providing sustainable transport infrastructure can have on the economy of a region. Objective ECON037 states that it is an objective of council to support providing needed infrastructure (car parking, bike hire and other facilities) along the Limerick, Greenway, extend the greenway in both directions, develop new greenways (including one in conjunction with Clare County Council) and examine the potential for the development of a third greenway. Likewise Waterford County Council’s draft development plan 2022-2028 incudes the greenway through the draft development plan, including when considering strategic employment opportunities. It also includes the greenway in numerous objectives:
-W City 29 includes the Waterford Greenway in planning for public amenity and biodiversity during the redevelopment of the South Quays in Waterford City
-Trans 10 commits the council to continue to develop integrated network of greenways and blueways
-SC38 calls for safe access to the greenway and new links for rural settlements
In addition 4 other objectives address developing greenways and blueways
I would ask that Cork City Council likewise embraces the possibilities of the Lee to Sea and includes an objective that prioritises the delivery, planning, implementation, marketing and promotion of the Lee to Sea.