Works to begin to pedestrianise 17 city centre streets
By Ellen O'Regan
Works to improve street surfaces are set to begin next week, as part of Cork City Council plans to permanently pedestrianise 17 streets across the city centre.
The council will begin work on resurfacing Caroline Street, Pembroke Street, Oliver Plunkett Street, Cook Street and Maylor Street on 12 April.
Similar works are expected to begin on Paul Street, St Peter and Paul’s Place, Little Ann Street and Little Cross Street the following week, 19 April.
Traders are being encouraged to arrange deliveries for before 9.30 a.m on these dates, as once works begin, the streets will be inaccessible to vehicles. However, all of these streets will still be accessible to pedestrians, and traffic management operatives will be on hand to help access homes and businesses.
It is expected that new pedestrian hours will come into effect on these streets soon after the works have been completed.
The move towards pedestrianisation comes as a result of the Reimagining Cork City programme, which closed off many streets in the city centre to vehicles last summer to facilitate social distancing and outdoor dining. The change proved so popular that the City Council decided to make pedestrianisation permanent for 17 Cork streets this year.
Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Joe Kavanagh said: “The Cork City spirit is nothing if not resilient – just over a century ago it faced down the devastation of the Burning of Cork and now we find ourselves again ready to rise from the ashes of Covid-19, with new and innovative ways of living, working and doing business, reimagining our city’s infrastructure.”
Director of Operations (Roads & Environment), David Joyce said: “Cork City Council is committed to supporting the local economy, businesses, residents and visitors to Cork city as the city reopens and onward into the post-pandemic future. The permanent pedestrianisation of these streets is a measure that accelerates our long-term vision for creating sustainable urban growth.”
Green Party Cllr Dan Boyle said: “It is great to see this increased pedestrianisation in Cork city. This is an issue that all our Green councillors have encouraged and supported for a long time. Without doubt, our participation in Government has resulted in increased local and national resources for these plans.”