Mallow Station Access
July 30th 2024
Rail Users Ireland, Ireland's National Rail Users Organisation made a submission on August 9th to Cork County Council concerning proposals to improve access to Mallow station as part of the N72-N73 Mallow Relief Road project
We have no objection in principle as to the proposal laid out in the EIA and drawings. Reuse of the former Mallow-Waterford railway line for dedicated cycle/pedestrian access improves access to Mallow station which is desirable in the context of plans to expand rail services between Mallow and Cork.
Some additional areas of consideration:
The Cork County Development Plan is referenced "Enhanced connectivity and permeability". Permeability should be considered to ensure the active travel route is accessible as the drawings suggest access is only available at each end of the route. Access should made possible were the route intersects with existing roads. E.g at the railway bridge at Ironmine bridge, there are an also number of small housing developments backing on to the former railway where access/right of way could be established to the proposed active travel route to improve its catchment and value to the community. This will require engagement with local property/land owners and potentially owner management companies (if present) for housing developments/estates. This is potentially controversial.
Safety - Adequate lighting should be provided to allow for commuters who for many months of the year would use the active travel route during darkness to reach Mallow station. Lighting a corridor like this has potential environmental impact, though minimal.
Both points above significantly impact the usability of the proposed active travel route. If suitably addressed would increase potential use of active travel.