Number of significant changes to BusConnects plans in Cork

A NUMBER of significant changes have been made to plans to develop 11 sustainable transport corridors (STCs) in Cork.

Following a second round of public consultation on the plans, the National Transport Authority yesterday published revised STC proposals for a third round of public consultation.

Among the changes is the introduction of a 30km/h speed limit on part of the Maryborough Hill to city route, the exclusion of the bus gate at Clarke’s Bridge on the Togher to city route, and the removal of proposed cycle tracks on Colmcille Avenue.

Part of the €600m BusConnects Cork programme, the new STCs would see approximately 91km of new bus lanes and bus priority developed and 98km of cycle facilities.

Approximately 4,400 submissions were made by the public during the second round of consultation.

Reduction in properties impacted 

Elements of the proposals, including the potential acquisition of land, the removal of on-street parking, and the removal of trees have previously proved controversial.

However, the NTA yesterday said that since the first public consultation in June 2022, there has been an approximate 48% reduction in the number of properties that may be impacted by the proposed development of the STCs, as well as nearly a 43% reduction in the number of on-street parking spaces that may be removed, and approximately a 37% reduction in the number of roadside trees that may be removed.

Commenting following the publication of the latest iteration of proposals, Fine Gael councillor Joe Kavanagh said he believes the NTA “are listening to residents”, and have made “positive actions based on the suggestions of residents”.

Mr Kavanagh, who represents the city’s North East ward, in particular, welcomed that the proposed cycle tracks on Colmcille Avenue have been removed, and replaced by a “quiet street” cycle route on nearby streets.

The cycle tracks on the road, would, he said, have necessitated the removal of trees and the narrowing of footpaths, which had sparked concern amongst residents.

However, Mr Kavanagh said he intends to make a submission about proposed traffic restrictions through Ballyhooly Rd at certain times.

He also encouraged of the public to attend the public information events, that will be hosted by the NTA across the city later this month.

The latest round of public consultation on the STCs will focus on the updated Preferred Route Options for all the proposed 11 corridors.

This comes following two rounds of public consultation between June and October 2022, and between March and May 2023.

Latest changes 

Among the changes, the proposed bus gate on Dublin St, at Spring Lane, is no longer included on the Blackpool to City STC, and has been replaced by signal priority measures to restrict non-local traffic movements, while allowing all local access to be made.

In Ballincollig town centre, a dedicated left turn lane for eastbound traffic has been added, in advance of Old Fort Rd (West) junction.

A right-turn pocket for westbound traffic has also been added, to minimise queuing along Main St for cars wishing to turn into Tesco and Castle West Shopping Centre car park.

On the Maryborough to city STC, the bus gate at the Well Rd junction has been relocated to the west of the Rosebank junction.

Between the bus gates on Douglas Rd, the existing road arrangement is to remain.

A 30km/h speed limit is to be introduced.

Other changes include additional parking spaces proposed at Churchyard Lane and Boreenmanna Rd junction, as well as Ballinlough Rd.

“Since the launch of the second round of consultation, we’ve engaged extensively with community and business groups across the city, and sought to respond constructively to the issues raised,” CEO of the NTA, Anne Graham, said.

“The updated proposals we’re putting forward in collaboration with Cork City Council have helped to mitigate many of the issues raised by community and business groups.”

Meanwhile, Cork City Council chief executive Ann Doherty said the delivery of the planned programme of works under BusConnects is “critical to the ongoing development of Cork city.”

Speaking following the launch of the revised plans, Green Party councillor Oliver Moran welcomed changes that have been proposed in the North East ward.

“Looking at the North East ward, the major issues from the second round of consultation in Blackpool, St Luke’s Cross, and Colmcille Avenue have been addressed,” he said.

“There’s a meeting planned with residents from Dublin Hill, and the Blackpool area, this week.

“I don’t want to jinx things but, from a quick check-in with residents, I think the problems identified the last time around have now been resolved.

“Speaking to other elected representatives, I think we might be there, in of consultation.

“There’ll be tweaks still, but there’s a point at which we just have to call it.

“A more reliable public transport system was the strongest demand from residents for the city’s climate action plan.

“It’s the number one barrier for current bus s.

“That means compromises to enable public transport priority, but the trade-off will mean benefits shared by everyone.”

Public encouraged to have their say 

Meanwhile, Labour Party candidate for the South East ward, Peter Horgan, welcomed the publication of traffic data during this round of public consultation, and encouraged people to have their say at the meetings.

“It’s very welcome that the traffic data has been published in this round,” he said. “It’s vital that everyone takes time now to consider these latest proposals, and examine them in detail.

“I urge as many people as possible to attend the public workshops on these routes,” he said.

“It’s important to note that BusConnects is more than just these corridors, and we need to see faster implementations of the new network and ticketing upgrades, to encourage more people onto public transport.”

Consultation on the updated proposals began yesterday and runs until Monday, December 18.

Following the third round of public consultation, submissions will be reviewed, and the NTA will then finalise the Preferred Route Options for all 11 corridors.

The scheme designs will be further developed and statutory consent applications to An Bord Pleanála will be prepared, inclusive of transport and environmental impact assessments.

At this stage, as part of the formal planning application to An Bord Pleanála, there will be a statutory public consultation process also.

For more information on the proposals, see www.busconnects.ie/cork.