Major part of BusConnects Bishopstown route dropped following Cork Luas plans

BusConnects Cork is set to transform Cork's bus system into a higher frequency and more reliable network, with over 90km of bus lanes in 11 transport corridors. File picture Larry Cummins

A large section of the planned BusConnects project for the Bishopstown area has been scrapped after the publication of the Cork Luas route last week.

In an email to public representatives, seen by the Irish Examiner, a National Transport Authority (NTA) spokesperson said a large section of the sustainable transport corridors (STC) scheme, the 'Bishopstown to City' section, was not going to be progressed.

BusConnects Cork is set to transform Cork's bus system into a higher frequency and more reliable network, with over 90km of bus lanes in 11 transport corridors.

The NTA is not planning an alternative STC route, it said.

The spokesperson said the BusConnects Cork team has been coordinating with the Luas Cork team in recent months, about the level of route alignment interactions in the south west.

The spokesperson added that, following the publication of Luas Cork's preferred route on April 17, BusConnects Cork now has a "clearer picture" of what Luas Cork will entail and its implications for the BusConnects scheme, specifically for the Bishopstown to city section.

They said the NTA is no longer intending to progress with the section which was to run from the junction of Melbourn Rd/Curraheen Rd through to the Western Rd/Mardyke Walk junction.

They said “this remains subject to change” up until the point that the STC scheme application is lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála, which they expect to happen later this year.

The Bishopstown to city STC, as per the latest public consultation, would begin at the junction of Melbourn Road/Curraheen Rd and proceed on to Bishopstown Rd, past Cork University Hospital, and at the existing Wilton roundabout turn north onto Wilton Rd and continue to Dennehy's Cross. 

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From there, it would proceed north along Victoria Cross Rd, onto Western Rd.

The corridor would then continue along the remainder of Lancaster Quay and Washington St before terminating at the junction of Washington St/Grand Parade - the latest update from the NTA suggests that only this part of the route will now be implemented.

Local Labour councillor Ciara O'Connor said: "This is a significant change to a key public transport corridor serving the south west of the city, and it's essential that we have clear answers on what happens next.

"While I fully support the development of Luas Cork, it cannot come at the expense of existing or planned bus infrastructure.

"We need a co-ordinated, integrated public transport system, not uncertainty."