A FOOTPATH into Baltimore village on the R595 from Skibbereen is needed to address safety issues, it has been claimed, writes Martin Steinmetz.

Councillors raised it at a meeting but were told by council officials that there is currently no funding to provide one.

Pedestrians and cyclists have no pathway for part of the road leading into the village, causing concerns over their safety, especially during the busy summer months. 

Cllr Brendan McCarthy (FG), who recently submitted a motion to Cork County Council about a footpath, said: ‘The road here is, and has always been, extremely dangerous for pedestrians. There are some dangerous bends and pedestrians are walking on the busy road where traffic is travelling at considerable speeds.’

Cllr Isobel Towse (SD), who raised the issue with the council engineer’s office in April, said: ‘It is a very, very dangerous stretch of road for pedestrians. I rented a house just below Baltimore harbour last year. You wouldn’t dream of walking along the road with a small child.’

Council senior executive engineer John Ahern said the area lies within the 50kmph limit. He said survey work for design of a footpath had been done but ‘presently this proposal is unfunded’.

He added: ‘On a priority basis, local authority resources are focused on ensuring the completion of funded projects to comply with funding deadlines. An opportunity should arise in the coming months where this proposal can be advanced further.

‘It is likely that the provision of a footpath will involve interference with private properties. Once a design has been completed funding options will be explored.’