Campaign aims to improve city’s night-time image

A DRIVE to improve the image and safety of Cork at night has been launched.

The Cork City Cares initiative, which is based on a similar scheme launched in Manchester last year, hopes to combat the image of unsafe streets and poor public transport.

It is also being modelled on similar projects which have proved successful in Australian cities.

The Cork project involves the city council, gardaí, local businesses and the drinks industry, and is being managed by Cork City Challenge.

Coordinator Liz McEvoy said the aim is to promote a vibrant and secure image of the city’s night-time economy.

“We are trying to encourage the night-time experience to be as positive as possible,” she said.

Gardaí, pub and night club owners will coordinate on night-time security and policing issues.

Public transport issues and the perceived lack of taxis are being examined.

A new late-night city centre bus shuttle service has been launched at weekends by coach operator Tom Murphy.

The bus will depart from the city at midnight, 1am, 2am, 2.30am, 3am, 3.30am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. The fare is €3.

The company’s first route will operate from St Patrick’s Street to Bishopstown, following the Bus Eireann’s number eight route to Bishopstown.

It will stop outbound at Washington Street, Wilton, Hawke’s Road, Model Farm Road and will travel back to the city via College Road.

Mr Murphy hopes to expand his operation to Douglas, and either Hollyhill or Mayfield within the coming months.

Businesses like corner shops and chippers which operate in the city after 8pm are also taking part in the initiative.

A poster campaign will encourage revellers to use so-called “safe corridors” — places which have benefited from recent public lighting upgrades and which are covered by CCTV.

Late night multi-storey car parks will also be advertised more widely.

Lavitts Quay Car Park and Patrick’s Quay Car Park will be open until midnight and the Grand Parade multi-storey car park stays open until 2am.

“Alongside the established taxi ranks in the city, temporary night-time taxi ranks now operate in the city on St Patrick’s opposite Academy Street and Washington Street, opposite the Courthouse and on Grand Parade next to the Central Library,” a city challenge spokesperson said.

“This project is about building pride in the city,” the spokesperson added.