Tourist says bus driver blamed traffic congestion for avoiding Cork city

A British tourist has warned that Cork City is losing tourist revenue after claiming that his tour bus driver refused to bring a coach full of visitors into the city — blaming traffic congestion.

City officials have investigated the matter and dismissed claims that traffic congestion or road works on the day in question would have prevented this or any coach from visiting the city. They have now decided “to engage with them [the tour bus company] on the matter”.

The warning was emailed by a British tourist to the city’s 31 councillors and to council chief executive Ann Doherty some weeks ago. Details of the email emerged at Monday’s council meeting following a series of questions from Sinn Féin councillor Henry Cremin.

In the email, the tourist said he was touring Ireland in August on a tour bus run by a British company. The bus was due to visit Cork City for a two-hour lunch stop. It is understood the group hoped to visit the English Market, which was visited by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth in 2011.

However, the tourist said their tour bus driver told them he could not bring his vehicle into the city as the city was “very bad with road works, and had been like that for months”.

He said the driver instead took them to an out-of-city pub where “the choice was buy food there or go without”.

“There were lots on the coach who were disappointed as we all wanted to take in the sights and shop and dine in Cork. I and others felt cheated we were unable to see your beautiful city,” the tourist said.

Council officials investigated the matter.

Gerry O’Beirne, director of services for roads and transportation, said his office contacted the tourist in recent days and told him there was no record of any access difficulties on or around the date in question.

“The period from early June to late August is associated with reduced traffic volumes as a consequence of school and other holidays,” he said.

“The number of closures and diversions necessary to facilitate private and public works increases during the summer months.

“However, these closures and diversions are pre-planned in consultation with the gardaí and the council’s traffic department and have not given rise to any unusual issues or difficulties.”

Mr O’Beirne said while they acknowledge that tour bus operators often follow predefined routes and can have prior arrangements with local attractions, the council will see if additional measures can be taken in response to their needs.