The scheme provides a significant upgrade to the Passage Railway Greenway for 3km from Páirc Uí Choimh to Mahon in Cork City. The main objective of the scheme is to attract and cater for cycle tourists, offer a viable commuting route to the general public, provide clear and coherent connectivity between existing facilities, and increase accessibility to local amenities, businesses and housing estates along the route. Furthermore, through the inclusion of complementary planting and the introduction of additional features for flora and fauna, the scheme enhances the ecological environs which the route passes through and thus offer a neutral to positive environmental impact.
Special features of the scheme included a large area of terraced landscaping between the old railway line, which is now the greenway, and the pedestrianised Marina Road, where we incorporated large slides and picnic benches into the terracing, upgrade of Blackrock train station, including hard and soft landscaping, significant refurbishment works to existing walls, ramps and platforms and replacement of the footbridge, and opening up the area surrounding the tunnel under Skehard Road, including formal terracing and hard and soft landscaping.
This project included:
- New and improved high-quality cycling and walking facilities, with the route widened to 5m;
- Significant access improvements at a number of locations with the reconstruction of access ramps to universally accessible ramps (greenway is typically 3m lower than the surrounding road network for much of this route);
- Refurbishment of Blackrock Station to make it accessible to all, with significant paving improvement, rehabilitation of the existing railway platforms, and replacement of the pedestrian bridge;
- Significant landscaping, public realm, cycle parking and streetscape working with Mitchell and Associates.
Our Services included:
- Preparation/development of concept designs and preliminary design for the scheme;
- Undertaking surveys and investigations including topographical surveys and site investigation;
- Environmental Assessments;
- Advising on Health and Safety requirements and undertaking Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP) role;
- Cost estimation and scheme appraisal;
- Detailed design, tender and designer during construction. Construction commenced on site in early 2020 and was completed in early 2023.
