Taxi drivers want minister to intervene in row over road layout
The Cork Taxi Council said the minister, Alan Kelly, should use his influence to resolve taxi drivers’ concerns and chronic traffic problems caused by the construction of bike lanes on Washington St, funded by the National Transport Authority.
Cork Taxi Council spokesman, Bobby Lynch, said proposed changes following a site visit by city council engineers and city councillors will help solve some of the issues.
“It is a step in the right direction,” he said.
“But it’s pointless walking around the area at 2.30pm on a Monday.
“They would want to be there at 2.30am on a Friday or Saturday to see the problems first hand.
“Minister Kelly must get involved to ensure that the remaining issues — especially the location of official taxi ranks — is resolved.
“We’re not looking for too much. We don’t want to have taxi ranks in the area for the whole day — just for when they are needed.”
The changes to the main westbound route out of the city were introduced before Christmas to accommodate the installation of new cycle lanes between UCC and the city centre.
The works resulted in the relocation of two of the city’s busiest taxi ranks — one outside Reardens, one of the city’s busiest entertainment complexes — to an area across the street.
Gardaí expressed health and safety concerns about late-night revellers having to cross the busy road for a cab.
The new layout left just one lane for traffic, and has resulted in long tailbacks.
Motorists and delivery drivers are regularly parking in the new bike lane.
The introduction of a loading bay and the installation of a low concrete plinth running along the street, have also been criticised.
Several businesses claim the scheme has resulted in a 30% drop-off in trade.
Councillors and engineers visited the area on Monday to meet taxi drivers and explore solutions.
Cllr Ken O’Flynn (FF) said engineers have agreed to redesign a section of footpath outside Reardens to accommodate an eight-space taxi rank, at an estimated cost of around €6,500. But he said he still has concerns about the location of another taxi rank down a side street.
“The taxi drivers and publicans have concerns about the safety of patrons who will have to walk down side-streets to get a taxi.
“The health and safety of people using our city’s taxi ranks should be paramount.”
He also criticised the level of public consultation on the road layout.
“All of this could have been avoided if the consultation process was widened.
“Common sense would have gone a long way towards avoiding these issues now.”
He has now asked the city manager for all NTA documentation or instructions to the council in relation to the Washington St scheme, and warned that similar problems will occur in other parts of the city where bike lanes are planned.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
