Monkstown Active Travel Link and Public Realm Enhancement to progress despite local objection

By Tara Maher

In March of this year, members of Monkstown Heritage Group and Tidy Towns called for a public meeting to protest against the removal of the ‘island’ by Cork County Council as part of the Monkstown Active Travel Link and Public Realm Enhancement. The meeting was well attended by local councillors, and Cllr. Úna McCarthy FG highlighted the issue at the recent Carrigaline Municipal District meeting. 

Cllr. Eoghan Fahy SF, who also attended the meeting said it felt like “it’s the people versus the Council”. 

Mr. Maurice Murphy emphasised that the project had undergone several modifications as a direct result of the feedback received during this consultation period. He directly refuted the characterization of the situation as an adversarial one, clarifying that the Council's intention was not to be in opposition to the community.

The 'island' at Monkstown. Picture courtesy of Cllr. Úna McCarthy

Despite the Part VIII approval for the project, further discussions occurred between two individuals, the project design team, and Carrigaline MD Senior Executive officers. These individuals voiced safety concerns regarding the removal of the island, arguing its current design is unsafe, it serves as a safety barrier for schoolchildren, and its removal would create a dangerous environment for children.

Cork County Council dismissed the allegations, stating “Cork County Council and Arup Consulting have extensive expertise in the development of safe active travel projects across the County. Each scheme is designed by an expert design team and appropriate independent safety audits are carried out where required.”

Under the scheme, the ‘island’ which is located in between two lively roads, will make way for wider footpaths and will enhance the bus stop for school children and bus users making pick-ups and drop offs more effective. 

Another allegation made by the individuals is unregulated car parking and manoeuvring of large boat-trailers at the Sand Quay, the proposed design is effectively a car park that will not be used as designers intend.

Mr. Murphy clearly stated during the meeting that there will be no car park, only a designated ‘set-down’ area which will clearly specify the set-down period allowed.

Cork County Council will also engage with the sailing club to determine what activities are permitted with regard to launching of boats and dinghies. In addition, there will be signage directing larger boats to Paddy’s Point, Ringaskiddy for launch. 

“While the Council fully understands the attachment some may have to the small

green area in question, the importance of this scheme for the west side of the harbour cannot be understated.”

Mr. Murphy emphasized the substantial importance of the Active Travel Scheme for the overall development and enhancement of the west side of the harbor. While acknowledging that some members of the community may feel an emotional attachment to the existing small green area that incorporates the traffic island, he reiterated the broader strategic goals of the project. He framed the Active Travel Route not merely as an infrastructure project but as a vital enabler with the potential to generate valuable employment opportunities within the local community. In his concluding remarks on this aspect, he urged the attending councillors to encourage the public to form their opinions based on verifiable facts and accurate information rather than relying on assumptions or unsubstantiated concerns.

Speaking to The Carrigdhoun, Cllr. Úna McCarthy said “There is a sense of concern among residents in Monkstown in relation to the removal of the Island as part of the Active Travel route plans.” 

Local councillors have pledged their commitment to monitoring the process of the Active Travel Route plans to achieve optimal outcomes for all stakeholders.