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An under-construction active travel project in Cork City is to be changed after large protests from residents a group against the project said it was a huge win, while the council today would not comment on whether people walking and cycling will be mixed on shared paths on sections of the project. The main change is that the number of trees to be cut down is going back to 10. As reported in February, the original plan called for 10 trees to be cut down, but that number increased to 22 after residents complaints about parking and councillors acted on the issue. Along with the planned tree felling, car parking was an ongoing complaint by those objecting to the scheme. With both, it was often claimed that there were larger losses than planned, including phrases like the complete removal of car parking. This time, rather than a reduction in parking, active travel is expected to take the brunt of the change. IrishCycle.com understands that the plan is now to combine walking and cycling on shared paths along some sections of the roads. Cork City Council would not comment on this when asked today.The campaign against the active travel and road safety project also included claims that go against all available evidence, including that Narrowed roads are a mortal danger to the young and elderly. This claim has been part of the campaign groups Facebook banner (see below). A physical banner that said Free Farranree from bike lane tyranny also regularly appeared at protests on the streets.In a statement, a council spokesperson said: As part of the ongoing engagement on the Knockpogue Avenue and Knockfree Avenue Improvement Scheme, Local Area City Councillors and Council Engineers recently met with residents to review and assess potential amendments to the works at Knockfree Ave so as to reduce the number of trees to be removed or replaced in the delivery of the scheme.The amendments which were discussed would ensure the provision of the required active travel, parking and public realm improvements, the spokesperson said. The council confirmed that the changes include the removal of a reduced number of trees, 10 rather than 22, and are subject to National Transport Authority (NTA) approval, ongoing stakeholder engagement and successful trial delivery, including related road safety audits.The council said that the Knockpogue Avenue and Knockfree Avenue Active Travel Scheme, which is about 60% complete, is the first significant transport and public realm improvement scheme in the area for many years. The 7m scheme is funded by the NTA under the Active Travel Programme.The council said that the project includes safer facilities for all modes of transport, and a full renovation of the public realm and the utility services, including watermains, surface drainage, and public lighting.Sharon Hussey, one of the organisers of the campaign against the project, posted on the Voices for Knockfree, Knockpogue & Surrounding Areas Facebook page, saying it was a huge win for residents.Hussey said: Following our meeting with Cork City Council, we are delighted to confirm that 12 of the 22 trees originally proposed for felling along Knockfree Avenue will now be saved. Instead of all 22 trees being removed, the revised proposal will see only 10 trees felled.IMAGE: The groups Facebook page banner.Since 19 January, residents have stood together, fought tirelessly and never given up on protecting our beautiful avenue. We have also requested that additional semi-mature trees be planted wherever space allows, to preserve the avenues character for future generations, she said.Cork City Council has repeatedly said it will plant over 40 semi-mature trees along the route. This was part of the original plan, although its unclear if even more are to be added now.Hussey said: We want to acknowledge everyone who has supported this campaign residents who attended meetings, shared information, contacted representatives, raised concerns, contributed their knowledge and stood up for our trees. Every conversation, every message and every person who took the time to get involved helped bring us to this point.We also acknowledge Cork City Council for meeting with residents and for the changes to the original proposal, she said. She added: This campaign has shown what a community can achieve when it stands together. We may not have saved every tree, but we have made a real difference, and that is something every resident can be proud of. We stood together. We never gave up. And our voices were heard.ALSO READ:Adding extra car parking along Cork active travel project led to increase in trees to be cut downThe twisting tales of cycle lanes destroying areas around IrelandCork cycle lane objector set up GoFundMe for legal advice and battle, but project followed long-established planning process