A FRESH approach to the development of a footpath to the national park in Glengarriff is being considered, writes Jackie Keogh.

At a meeting of the Western Division of Cork County Council, Eoin McCarthy, engineer at the Cork national roads office, said the preferred route, adjacent to the N71, remains ‘challenging given the ecological constraints in the area.’

Although the issue has been discussed at local authority level for year, the engineer confirmed that the analysis of a topographical survey, and the environmental constraints, was completed in June 2024.

He confirmed that the survey ‘limits the construction of a footpath along the N71 from the village to the hostel only’ and he said this is being considered.

But the good news, according to councillors, is that the National Parks and Wildlife Service is exploring the feasibility of sensitively developing an access route within the boundaries of its own lands, adjacent to the N71.

Meanwhile, Mr McCarthy confirmed that a feasibility and options report for a safety improvement scheme, that would include traffic calming, footpath extension and the introduction of a new pedestrian crossing, is currently being prepared for Ballylickey.