This key project will improve the reliability and journey times of bus services in the city centre, while also providing improved walking and cycling infrastructure along the city quays and at key streets and junctions.
Over the next 18 months will see 5.5 kms of new pathways built and public lighting installed, as well as a substantial programme of tree and shrub planting.
Cycling and pedestrian connectivity improvements, road resurfacing and signalised junction upgrades will facilitate traffic management changes along Anderson's Quay, Camden Quay, Penrose Quay, Merchants Quay, Patrick's Quay including Christy Ring Bridge, Lavitt's Quay, Mulgrave Road, Devonshire Street and Cathedral Walk. The scheme will culminate in the restoration of two way traffic to MacCurtain Street with transformative public realm works there and in the adjoining Bridge Street and Coburg Street area.
The project is part of a strategic city-wide move to a more sustainable environment in the city. Cork city's footprint, after a boundary extension in 2019, now additionally encompasses the towns of Ballincollig, Blarney, Tower and Glanmire and the immediate hinterland areas. The city's population of 210,000 is projected to grow by 50% over the next 20 years.
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Cork City Council's chief executive, Ann Doherty said: "How people get to and from work and leisure is a key challenge that must be addressed if the city is to function properly and to prosper. A predominant reliance on private car usage is no longer tenable and must be replaced by greater opportunities for walking and cycling and radically improved public transport.
"In the coming years, those who live and visit the city will see significant change. As part of the National Development Plan, a fund of €200 million is available to Cork to invest in public transport to improve bus frequency, capacity, journey time and ticketing. Public consultation on the Bus Connect network is already underway.
"On a broader and bigger scale, the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) provides a coherent, integrated transport planning policy framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure to support the development of the Greater Cork area. CMATS has been developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Cork City Council and Cork County Council."
Victorian Quarter Chairperson, Ciarán O'Connor added: "The businesses of the VQ and surrounding areas embrace the progression of the MacCurtain Street scheme, which will be so beneficial to the whole area. There will inevitably be some disruption as works are undertaken, but the benefits in terms of accessibility, transport links and the improvement of public spaces will be transformative for the VQ and its diverse and vibrant community. This is an exciting time to be in Cork and we are delighted share in the opportunities as our city continues to grow and flourish."
