Urgent Action Needed for Cullenagh Track, Kealkil, West Cork
We are calling on Cork County Council to urgently assess and address the deteriorating condition of the Cullenagh track in Kealkil, West Cork, and the serious concerns regarding safety and emergency access.

A Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) application was submitted on 21st January 2025 on behalf of the residents and farmers who use the track.

Residents have been advised that there is an approximate six-year waiting period. In August 2026, Cork County Council confirmed that the application remains on the waiting list and was not prioritised for the first round of 2026 funding. No definite timeframe has been provided for when the works may take place.

Since March 2025, residents have contributed their own money towards maintaining the track. Despite these efforts, its condition has continued to deteriorate, particularly during periods of heavy rain and poor weather.

Emergency access
A major concern is whether emergency services can safely and reliably access the properties along the track when urgent assistance is required.

Residents have been informed of a previous incident involving a child who required urgent medical attention, where an ambulance would not come up the track. This raises serious concerns about emergency access for everyone living along the track, particularly families and elderly residents.

Emergency access to the properties along the Cullenagh track should be urgently assessed.

Recent safety incidents
On 15th September 2026, an elderly resident was involved in an accident on the track when his vehicle went onto its side due to the condition of the track. The vehicle was damaged and the driver was injured.

A neighbouring resident has also reported nearly going into the ditch while using the track during the same period of poor weather.

These incidents highlight the increasing safety risks for those who rely on the track.

Impact on the community
Approximately 15 people regularly use the track, including children.

Residents and farmers rely on it to access their homes and land.

The condition of the track is also affecting a local business, with customers and staff experiencing difficulties accessing the property. Some customers have had to leave their vehicles at the main road and walk up, while delivery vehicles have refused to travel up the track.

What we are asking Cork County Council to do
We are not asking for the existing LIS process to be disregarded or for other communities to be disadvantaged.

We are asking Cork County Council to recognise that the circumstances at Cullenagh have changed significantly since the original application was submitted and to consider what action can be taken now.

We are calling on Cork County Council to:

·       Urgently inspect the Cullenagh track and assess its current condition.

·       Carry out a safety assessment in light of the recent incidents and deterioration.

·       Assess whether ambulances and other emergency services can safely access the properties along the track.

·       Review LIS application in light of the deterioration since the application was submitted.

·       Consider urgent or interim remedial works while the application remains on the waiting list.

·       Establish whether any alternative funding or provisions for urgent works are available.

·       Provide residents and farmers with a clear update on what action can be taken now, rather than leaving the community facing a potential six-year wait while the track continues to deteriorate.

The residents and farmers of Cullenagh understand that Cork County Council has limited funding and a significant countywide waiting list.

However, the condition of the track has deteriorated significantly since January 2025, with accidents, near misses, increasing access difficulties and serious concerns regarding emergency access.

We are asking Cork County Council to urgently assess the Cullenagh track and determine what can be done to ensure safe and reliable access for the residents, farmers, businesses and emergency services who depend on it.

Please support this petition
By signing this petition, you are supporting the residents and farmers of Cullenagh in asking Cork County Council to review the current situation and take appropriate action to address the safety and access concerns affecting the community.