Tramore Valley Park

flo8s967qjh0nd

Was in there today for the first time. To say it is a "work in progress" is probably the most generous way of putting it.
Needs:
1. Lots of tree planting
2. Obviously pedestrian and cyclist entrances
3. Better signage, maps etc. The signage currently in place on the loop walk makes no sense.
4. Repair of infrastructure: broken fences, footpaths, etc.

Well done on getting it open but it is very rough around the edges.

Rhys Essien

Alyssa Full Abalone wrote: »

Was in there today for the first time. To say it is a "work in progress" is probably the most generous way of putting it.
Needs:
1. Lots of tree planting
2. Obviously pedestrian and cyclist entrances
3. Better signage, maps etc. The signage currently in place on the loop walk makes no sense.
4. Repair of infrastructure: broken fences, footpaths, etc.

Well done on getting it open but it is very rough around the edges.

To think they spent €40 million to get it to this condition should be a national scandal. I mean 40 fcuking million. :mad:

Roger Hassenforder

Rhys Essien wrote: »

To think they spent €40 million to get it to this condition should be a national scandal. I mean 40 fcuking million. :mad:

The majority of that was engineering works to the landfill - capping, leachate/gas collection, liners.

That this is good as they've got it, is a scandal though, they've had long enough.

RINO87

Would like to cycle out here for a look but don't fancy using the main entrance at the recycling centre. Where is the access at Douglas?
Thanks

snotboogie

RINO87 wrote: »

Would like to cycle out here for a look but don't fancy using the main entrance at the recycling centre. Where is the access at Douglas?
Thanks

Just after the bridge and roundabout at the start of the South Douglas Rd on the Douglas Village side. Take the exit at the roundabout as if you are going to willow park and there is a small walkway right by the exit to the link. Follow that walkway for about 2km and it will take you to TVP

zilog_jones

Alyssa Full Abalone wrote: »

Was in there today for the first time. To say it is a "work in progress" is probably the most generous way of putting it.
Needs:
1. Lots of tree planting

Does it need more trees? I like the big open space, some great views from there right now. There are loads of trees around the south and east sides already.

I agree it could do with some better signage and maps, I found myself looking at the Google satellite maps a few times as I had no other point of reference for where the paths would go. There's a building towards the Half Moon Lane entrance that appears to potentially be public toilets, but it's devoid of any signage.

I didn't notice any broken footpaths or fences though. It seemed fairly well maintained, if somewhat under-developed in areas.

snotboogie wrote: »

Just after the bridge and roundabout at the start of the South Douglas Rd on the Douglas Village side. Take the exit at the roundabout as if you are going to willow park and there is a small walkway right by the exit to the link. Follow that walkway for about 2km and it will take you to TVP

To the left here: https://goo.gl/maps/ypYyjmXyT2XDERpC9

RINO87

^^^cheers.

corkgsxr

Went there last night.

The entrance to the car park to the left is a tight curve. No idea how I didn't scrape alloys.

Then theres no signs to say this way to start we just wandered off in a direction and eventually after 5 or 10 mins there was a sign about distance left.

It feels like your walking around a abandoned facility for the most part. Nothing around you and a old tar and chip path. Every few mins theres a old dump machinery/facility's that's fenced off.
Theres a grass track that runs inline but it's on a slope for the most part

I hope they do more with it.

GavRedKing

Was out there yesterday and I'd echo the sentiments here, theres a lot still to do and plants, trees to mature, its got potential but for me the biggest thing is that it needs more access.

whisky_galore

There's an 'encampment' nearby that doesn't lend anything to the general atmosphere of the area. I'm surprised it's still there after all these years.

chalkitdown1

whisky_galore wrote: »

There's an 'encampment' nearby that doesn't lend anything to the general atmosphere of the area. I'm surprised it's still there after all these years.

One way of putting it. :pac: Thankfully it can't be seen from the park itself.

I accidentally drove down there myself a few years ago when I first moved to the City thinking it was the connection to the South Ring eastbound. Last time I made that mistake. :eek:

ScrubsfanChris

whisky_galore wrote: »

There's an 'encampment' nearby that doesn't lend anything to the general atmosphere of the area. I'm surprised it's still there after all these years.

You can still spot them when they put up the smoke signals, with the smell of burning plastic off copper wire in the air :pac:

namloc1980

:mad:

.

who_me

namloc1980 wrote: »

:mad:

.

FFS!

If they put half that effort into anything useful or constructive.

blindsider

3 cars driving on the pedestrian track on Monday afternoon. The lead car stopped and had a good look around and then took off up the hill - the bollards seemed ineffective. BUT, if the driver didn't know that they shouldn't be driving there, then I fear for their safety on a public road.

Several pedestrians tried to wave them down, but they were having too much fun!

ontheditch2

Popped out this evening for a jog there. Serves a purpose. Think it will be a few years away from being a place people Errol enjoy going to.
Once they get stuck into it a bit, cut the grass, a few benches of nice views, etc it will be nicer. I think if they could do some sort of arty projects to cover up the fencing on the fenced off areas etc, it will be nice.
Not there yet, but it can only improve from here on, so fingers crossed they start doing little bits to add to it all the time

opus

Hopefully we'll see the parkrun back there later on in the year.

blindsider

Was there this evening - great to see it so busy!!

Lots of people out enjoying the bit of decent weather we got.

irishcsifan

Access badly needed via half moon lane. Hopefully this will be sorted soon

ontheditch2

Have to say, the more I go out there, the more I enjoy it. It really is a great amenity. Went for a jog this evening and the place was buzzing. Young and old teams training on the rugby pitch. Couple of soccer teams training. Looked like Aussie rules team training, BMX track packed.
Agree with some earlier comments, a few benches, some art on the internal fencing, a few more signs about the place, a dog run maybe.
I've really enjoyed getting out there the last few weeks and will keep going while the evenings are long.

opus

Really needs the pedestrian entrance close to the city to be opened unless they are trying to promote driving there!

Pedestrian access to Tramore Valley Park remains restricted

namloc1980

One of the most inaccessible public parks anywhere. It's clear that it's a car first policy with that park by the council.

Treviso

With them having such an issue opening up that section for pedestrian access, how long will we have to wait for the footbridge from Grange over the South link, to the park

https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/Grange-Tramore-Valley-Park-link-a-step-closer-4f51e0f6-8285-45b9-9290-ee4a8ea770aa-ds

Would probably be faster if I started working on it myself using lego blocks

mini5476

I was loving the wild grassy hillside with a few paths mowed through it, loads of wild flowers, bees, birds (even saw a pheasant) one day. Now they've cut the grass on the entire hill :mad:

Sesame

Had a first visit to the park over the weekend. Walked to Douglas and back (missed the fire) and did the full circle.

Enjoyed the route and little graduated climbs. Much less manicured than Ballincollig, for example, but nicer in its own way. More interesting views of the city.
I took my baby and wasn't expecting not to find any benches to feed him the whole way around. Only spotted one area with seating by the car park end.
Is there plans to install some seating or picnic benches? And also wondering, why was there wire fencing around the centre circle? Is it to keep animals in or out?

Raconteuse

I'd say there are security concerns about the Half Moon Lane access.

namloc1980

mini5476 wrote: »

I was loving the wild grassy hillside with a few paths mowed through it, loads of wild flowers, bees, birds (even saw a pheasant) one day. Now they've cut the grass on the entire hill :mad:

Just saw that on Twitter. Bloody hell they've made a complete mess of it. My favourite part of the park was that hill with the wild grass and flowers. It was a habitat for loads of birds and, importantly, bees. And it's been cut down. Shame.

Ludo

Raconteuse wrote: »

I'd say there are security concerns about the Half Moon Lane access.

People will also start driving down that way and poarking there. The turn onto the South Douglas Road from Half Moon Lane is not exactly suitable for heavy use.

Padraig Mor

Raconteuse wrote: »

I'd say there are security concerns about the Half Moon Lane access.

Read that months back - worries over anti social behaviour. Given that a load of plants were already uprooted, perhaps justified unless they can put in CCTV or something?

blindsider

The plants were uprooted at the Douglas pedestrian entrance....just for clarification.

flo8s967qjh0nd

namloc1980 wrote: »

Just saw that on Twitter. Bloody hell they've made a complete mess of it. My favourite part of the park was that hill with the wild grass and flowers. It was a habitat for loads of birds and, importantly, bees. And it's been cut down. Shame.

That's how meadows work. They need to be cut once a year at this time. That's what makes them work.

namloc1980

Alyssa Full Abalone wrote: »

That's how meadows work. They need to be cut once a year at this time. That's what makes them work.

I think you'll find that's not correct. One big cut is very poor management of a wildlife meadow. It should be cut in stages throughout the year and managed section by section to continue to provide habitat for animals and insects, many of which are still very active into September. The cuttings should be removed quickly to let the ground breathe and avoid over fertilisation. They've done neither of those things. All the grass cut in one fell swoop is poor management. This has a big impact on local wildlife.

opus

This used to be open back in 2015 when the parkrun was being held there but now it's considered dangerous needing a gang of consultants

https://twitter.com/EoinBearla/status/1171105241821044737

namloc1980

opus wrote: »

This used to be open back in 2015 when the parkrun was being held there but now it's considered dangerous needing a gang of consultants

https://twitter.com/EoinBearla/status/1171105241821044737

Most of the lane has no footpath or cycling facilities. Guaranteed someone would sue if they got hurt accessing the park that way so they must go through the motions of a full consultation on traffic management etc.

opus

namloc1980 wrote: »

Most of the lane has no footpath or cycling facilities. Guaranteed someone would sue if they got hurt accessing the park that way so they must go through the motions of a full consultation on traffic management etc.

You're probably right, I guess this is why we can't have nice things

Markcheese

namloc1980 wrote: »

I think you'll find that's not correct. One big cut is very poor management of a wildlife meadow. It should be cut in stages throughout the year and managed section by section to continue to provide habitat for animals and insects, many of which are still very active into September. The cuttings should be removed quickly to let the ground breathe and avoid over fertilisation. They've done neither of those things. All the grass cut in one fell swoop is poor management. This has a big impact on local wildlife.

It really depends on what you're trying to achieve, and what plants/species you're trying to encourage, (but I agree with you about just leaving the cut grass in a thick sward,)

opus

Another little push to the council to get on with giving decent pedestrian access.

Renewed calls for access to the Tramore Valley Park

rahmalec

What's the craic with actually opening that entrance?
Why is it not just opened?

Mefistofelino

rahmalec wrote: »

What's the craic with actually opening that entrance?
Why is it not just opened?

AFAIK it is to do with the fact that there is no footpath or similar protected pedestrian access in Half-Moon Lane once you pass the school. However putting in a footpath may create issues for truck access to the council depot at the end.

There's also the distinct possibility that people will end up parking in the lane while accessing the park

opus

Pushed out 'til next year Maybe something people in Cork South Central could bring up with the politicians who's sure to be looking for votes in the near future.

Pedestrian entrance to Tramore Valley Park not likely to open in near future

sixpack's little hat

There is some work going on near the exercise equipment that just seems to be a path that ends at the side of the link road.

Possibly a pedestrian bridge over to the blackash car park?

ontheditch2

sixpack's little hat wrote: »

There is some work going on near the exercise equipment that just seems to be a path that ends at the side of the link road.

Possibly a pedestrian bridge over to the blackash car park?

Think that was put in while there was works on the side of the south link and looks like it was used for access to that.

namloc1980

sixpack's little hat wrote: »

There is some work going on near the exercise equipment that just seems to be a path that ends at the side of the link road.

Possibly a pedestrian bridge over to the blackash car park?

Think that bridge has been put on the very long finger. There was also supposed to be a bridge over the N40 to link up with the wooded area around Vernon Mount. All gone quiet on that front too. This park is a bit of a disaster all round. If you don't live in Douglas you 100% need a car to access it. Farcical.

opus

There are vague plans for the bridge to Frankfield but as for a timeframe who knows. No plans that I've heard for a bridge to the Black Ash car park. There's already a culvert under the road they could use but they claimed it wouldn't get permission. Strange that as there's already a culvert that's much longer if you take the path to Togher that starts by Harvey Normans.

Agree 100% a park that you have to drive to is terrible planning, given it took years to actually open it one might imagine consideration would have been given to access seeing as there are only three points after all :rolleyes:

mikeecho

I've visited the park a few times.

It'll take years before it's something worthwhile.
Look at ballincollig regional park.. it's decades in the making, and it's fantastic.

If you're expecting something fantastic with bridges etc.. you'll be waiting a long time.

But in time.. all in its own good time.

namloc1980

mikeecho wrote: »

I've visited the park a few times.

It'll take years before it's something worthwhile.
Look at ballincollig regional park.. it's decades in the making, and it's fantastic.

If you're expecting something fantastic with bridges etc.. you'll be waiting a long time.

But in time.. all in its own good time.

In fairness we're talking about basic access to a public park, nothing fancy. A public park that necessitates having a car to access it from almost every direction is a bit of a failure in my book.

Mefistofelino

namloc1980 wrote: »

In fairness we're talking about basic access to a public park, nothing fancy. A public park that necessitates having a car to access it from almost every direction is a bit of a failure in my book.

This is true but I reckon a huge percentage of the users of the Regional Park do so by car, particularly at weekends. The West carpark is utter chaos, the Innishmore Park one is little better. Is TVP *that* much worse by comparison?

And given that a large number of users will continue to "drive to a walking place", is opening a second access, via Half Moon Lane, Palaceanne Lawn or Heatherton, creating a risk of those areas becoming de facto overflow carparks?

hans aus dtschl

Mefistofelino wrote: »

Is TVP *that* much worse by comparison?

Well... yes, because it's entirely within the city!

And you can't get public transport walk or cycle there without going down the link dual carriageway or out to Douglas.

And the vast majority of people living in the city centre don't own a car.

So, yeah it is THAT much worse alright TBH.

And I say all of that as someone with a car outside the door right now: the current access to Tramore Valley Park is totally and utterly unacceptable.

Ludo

What is the issue with getting the bus to Douglas and walking from there? Similar to getting a bus to Half Moon Lane or park and ride and walking there in the future really.
If you are going there by bus, then odds are you are going for a walk or run anyway so getting there via the pathway from Douglas is part of the walk/run.
Really not seeing the issue if you are coming to it from town.

Treviso

Ludo wrote: »

What is the issue with getting the bus to Douglas and walking from there? Similar to getting a bus to Half Moon Lane or park and ride and walking there in the future really.
If you are going there by bus, then odds are you are going for a walk or run anyway so getting there via the pathway from Douglas is part of the walk/run.
Really not seeing the issue if you are coming to it from town.

I see what you're saying but to only have only pedestrian/cyclist entrance to a park is crazy. Half moon street is walkable from town, Douglas entrance isn't. People wouldn't be inclined to get a bus to go for a walk/run

The pedestrian bridge over the link wouldn't necessarily be for park and ride people, it would give access to those in the Togher region. The original project had another bridge linking Vernon Mount to this park. This would allow those in the Grange/Frankfield to easily access the park and even commute to work through it