Funding of €8 million to progress the provision of the Midleton to Youghal Greenway project (MY Greenway) is being welcomed by Cork East Fine Gael TD and Minister for Justice & Equality, David Stanton. The funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport will be allocated to Cork County Council to deliver the greenway.
“I am delighted that these monies will be made available so that this exciting recreational project can be progressed. The greenway, once completed, will provide a 23km long cycle and walkway which will run along the old disused railway track from Midleton to Youghal through Mogeely and Killeagh”, said Minister Stanton.
“MY Greenway will be a great addition to East Cork’s overall tourism product and, judging by the success of other greenways, should help to attract tens of thousands of additional visitors to the area each year providing a major boost to the local economy and the opportunity for new business development along the route and in Midleton and Youghal. In addition to the tourism benefits, MY Greenway will also be a huge asset to local people as a safe and attractive local walking and cycling recreational facility.
“As Part 8 planning permission was approved in January 2019, I understand that with €8 million in funding now being made available, work can begin on the project in the autumn. I would like to congratulate everybody involved in the development of the project but particularly the officials in Cork County Council, who have worked incredibly hard to reach this point. Cork County Council is also contributing considerable finances to the project and we are all looking forward to progressing this exciting amenity as soon as possible.
“This announcement arrives on the eve of the Ironman Ireland Cork Triathlon, which marks a further vote of confidence in East Cork and in Youghal in particular. I was very pleased to secure Government funding of €300,000 to enable the Ironman event to run for three years and I will continue to work hard to develop East Cork’s overall tourism potential”, concluded Minister Stanton.