North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea has welcomed Cork County Council’s plans for a Village Renewal Scheme along the R577 in Ballydesmond. The proposed scheme involves a range of public realm works to improve pedestrian connectivity for vulnerable users within the urban environs in Ballydesmond and to enhance the urban centre for leisure activities.
Cllr. O’Shea said such developments by Cork County Council are subject to the Part 8 planning process, which consists of a public consultation process, and he encouraged community members in Ballydesmond to engage in this process. Any submissions received by the Council are considered in the Part 8 Manager’s Report which is prepared and presented to Councillors for adoption.
The proposed development in Ballydesmond includes: public realm works, new pedestrian footbridge, replacement footpaths, new footpaths/buildouts, uncontrolled pedestrian crossings and public lighting upgrades
The proposed project objective of the scheme is to increase the safety of vulnerable users within the speed limits of the village, which is proposed to be accomplished by a mixture of traffic calming within the centre of the village and the provision of uncontrolled pedestrian crossings. Furthermore, it is the objective to control vehicular speeds on approaches to the main street with a combination of wider footpaths and concrete buildouts combined with speed ramps/raised table.
According to Cork County Council, “There is a significant residential population living in the environs of the urban area, with potential for further development. There is potential for walking to and from local amenities such as the park, playground, church, school etc. It is important that the required infrastructure is either in place or planning providing the framework for future development work to facilitate this.
“Another feature of the scheme is the public realm works on the main street (R577), this will help encourage sustainable development as it creates a more attractive urban centre for the village inhabitants.”
Cllr O’Shea said plans of the proposed development are available for inspection, or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, from now until Friday, May 24th and may be inspected during public opening hours at the Cork County Council office in Millstreet.
Plans are also available for inspection and to print at www.corkcoco.ie. Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed developments, dealing with proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the developments will be situated, may be made on or before Friday, June 7th.
Submissions and observations can be made in writing to: Senior Engineer, Cork County Council, Regional & Local Roads Design Office, Innishmore, Ballincollig, P31 WT69; or in email to: part8.rlrdo@corkcoco.ie.
