Experts to study city’s transport needs

A SIGNIFICANT study will be commissioned next month to tackle Cork’s growing traffic problem.

The city council will ask experts to assess the city’s public transport needs including the €10 billion docklands development.

Central to this Public Transport Feasibility Study will be whether Cork needs a light rail Luas-style system, a rapid guided bus system or a tram system.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has asked for the results to be forwarded to him soon for consideration.

The council hopes to appoint consultants who will report back to council by the autumn.

City manager Joe Gavin said the study was crucial because areas like Mahon, Blackpool, Wilton and Bishopstown are experiencing severe traffic problems.

Councillors discussed Mr Gavin’s feedback from the first phase of consultation on the review of the city’s development plan. A total of 98 valid submissions were received from the public.

“The desire for a much expanded and upgraded public transport system is one of the main themes to emerge from the public consultation process,” said Mr Gavin.

“A high quality public transport system is essential to accommodate both existing travel needs and the much increased travel demand that will arise from planned high density development in docklands.”

The study will examine how traffic has diminished the impact of the city’s green bus route network.

It will examine the routes and suggest how road space could be allocated to various forms of transport.

It will also consider what extra facilities are needed for buses in the city centre.

Meanwhile, Bus Éireann’s regional manager Joe Fitzgerald is to meet councillors in June to discuss the city’s bus service.

Councillors called for the banning of buses from crossing the city centre to improve bus efficiency.

They want buses from the suburbs to drop passengers off just outside the city centre, and then turn back to the suburbs. A shuttle bus would then transport those who need to cross the city.

They have called for the scheme to be introduced on a pilot basis on the number eight bus service.

The city’s disc parking zones has been extended to cover the entire western suburbs. Disc parking can be introduced in dozens of suburban estates with the agreement of residents.