It dates all the way back to 1850.

Now Blackrock Station, which once formed part of the Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway, is about to get a sympathetic makeover as part of Cork City Council’s ongoing greenway upgrade.

With work due to begin on April 22nd, the project will see a lattice railway footbridge reinstated using the existing historic abutments and the old access ramp and disused station platforms refurbished.

Other bridges and historical features along the route will also be repaired and cleaned and the platforms  ‘greened’ with trees, fruit bushes and grasslands as well as seating.

Expect improved access and a few fun additions

The Blackrock-Mahon Greenway Improvement Scheme will benefit pedestrians, cyclists, people with disabilities and ensure better access to local communities and visitors.

At present, people with disabilities cannot access the greenway between Pairc Uí Chaoimh and the Mater Private access point, something the Council hopes to remedy.

New bat roosting boxes, bird nesting boxes and bee supporting habitats are to be created, with fruit trees, shrubs and wildflowers, rain gardens and rainwater harvesting.

Nature-friendly public lighting and CCTV will be installed to make pedestrians and cyclists feel comfortable using the route after dark and a new ramp will be built near Eden in Blackrock and the Marina to ensure better access by surrounding communities.

Water drinking points and new viewing areas will also be installed, with a giant game of snakes and ladders for kids to enjoy too.