It opens to the public this autumn.

Cork’s new pedestrian and cycle path bridge connecting Grange to Tramore Valley Park is officially called the Vernon Mount Bridge.

The name references a Georgian Manor built in the area around 1784 to designs by the noted architect Abraham Hargrave. The building, the scene of a notorious kidnap when Henry Browne Hayes abducted a local heiress named Mary Pike in 1797, has now fallen into dereliction.

Over a period of a month, a total of 598 nominations were received from the public through a naming submission process set up by Cork City Council.

“This process has been used in recent years, for example in the naming of Mary Elmes Bridge.” said Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy.

#GotCork One new bridge, 500 submissions, 129 names put forward, and just one name to be picked at @corkcitycouncil #corkcc meeting next Monday evening, 10 July. Many thanks to all who engaged with the bridge naming of the new pedestrian and cycling bridge at Vernon Mount :) pic.twitter.com/5RJwi0xHM9

— Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy (@cllrkmac) July 7, 2023

“It is a process that my colleagues and I will continue to use, knowing that it provides the public an opportunity to be involved in shaping the culture and history of the city. This new amenity will provide much-needed connectivity for the residents of Grange and Frankfield, enhancing the active travel offering in the city.”

The hope is that the 63-metre pedestrian/cycle bridge and the adjoining kilometre-long cycle pathway will provide connectivity between Grange and Frankfield and the southern suburbs and will support residents, students, and commuters to opt for active travel and thereby reduce traffic congestion.

The bridge and pathway are due to be opened to the public in the autumn.