West Cork Gets New Walking and Cycling Routes as Officials Cut Ribbons in Clonakilty and Bandon
West Cork celebrates as Clonakilty and Bandon unveil extended walking and cycling routes, connecting communities with safer, sustainable travel options.
Two popular West Cork towns celebrated major expansions to their pedestrian and cycling infrastructure today, with senior officials officially opening extended active travel routes that will benefit thousands of residents and visitors.
The ceremony in Clonakilty and Bandon saw ribbons cut by Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, alongside Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, and Cork County Council Chief Executive Moira Murrell.
In Clonakilty, the N71 Gallanes Active Travel project builds upon the existing Joe Walsh Walkway, which first opened on the town's outskirts in 2019. The route has been extended through the West Cork Technology Club, creating a vital connection between the town centre and Clonakilty Rugby Club.
The completed works include an additional 1km path, a new car park, picnic tables, lighting and a safe road crossing. Transport Infrastructure Ireland provided funding for the project.
Meanwhile, Bandon's Clare O'Leary Walkway has received a significant upgrade and 1km extension, connecting it directly to Bandon town centre. The 3-metre-wide off-road path now stretches 2.7km in total and features a new amenity space complete with picnic tables and seating.
Both walkways carry names that honour outstanding individuals with strong West Cork connections. Dr Clare O'Leary from Bandon became the first Irish woman to climb Everest, complete the seven summits and ski to the South Pole, whilst Joe Walsh served as TD and Senator for Cork South-West for 30 years, including two terms as Minister for Agriculture.
Cllr Mary Linehan Foley:
"It is a proud day for West Cork as we officially open extensions to two popular walking and cycling routes. They provide safe and accessible spaces for people of all ages as well as encouraging healthier and more sustainable ways to travel."
Minister Darragh O'Brien:
"The opening of the N71 Active Travel schemes in Bandon and Clonakilty marks an exciting milestone for both communities. These projects will deliver a wide range of benefits: safer routes for students travelling to school, healthier and more sustainable options for short local journeys, and improvements in overall wellbeing."
The Minister highlighted future connectivity plans, noting that these routes are envisaged to link through the proposed West Cork Greenway, currently at the route options selection stage.
Moira Murrell:
"The development of safe, segregated walking and cycling routes is the foundation of Cork County Council's Active Travel strategy. The extensions in Clonakilty and Bandon are part of a wider, long-term vision to create a comprehensive network of high-quality, accessible routes."
Transport Infrastructure Ireland CEO Peter Walsh praised the schemes' design, noting that physical separation from motorised traffic provides crucial safety benefits for cyclists and pedestrians. He pointed to current high usage levels as evidence of strong community demand for such facilities.
The Bandon project was completed by contractors Martin O'Callaghan Ltd and Priority Construction, delivering infrastructure that serves both recreational users and those accessing workplaces and local amenities.
Today's openings represent a significant investment in sustainable transport infrastructure for West Cork, providing residents with safer, more attractive options for local journeys whilst supporting the region's growing reputation as a destination for outdoor activities.
