YOUGHAL TO MIDLETON GREENWAY

Funding has just been announced for the Youghal to Midleton Greenway. The proposed greenway will be developed on the disused railway line between Midleton and Youghal, incorporating stop-off points at the former stations in the villages of Mogeely and Killeagh. At 23km in length, the Midleton Youghal (MY) Greenway will be routed through the scenic agricultural heartland of East Cork and will have a distinctive character reflecting the natural, cultural and social history of the area to become an important local amenity and a trip-attracting route for visitors. The development of the proposed greenway will be an important addition to tourism facilities across Cork and will benefit the local economy through increased visitor numbers and tourist spend, supporting existing local businesses and encouraging new enterprise opportunities.  The Greenway will seek to showcase the scenery and environment of East Cork and will make provision for biodiversity based on the principles of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. The route will also traverse an area known as Ballyvergan Marsh which will provide opportunities to experience this unique coastal wetland with spectacular views to Youghal Bay. Speaking of the announcement which will see €8 million invested in the project under the National and Regional Greenway Fund, the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan highlighted how important this greenway will be to visitors and locals alike and would like to see such developments considered for other areas in County Cork. Cork County Council Chief Executive Tim Lucey congratulated all involved to date and noted this will be a ‘significant project for the county and southern region of the country’.