Almost two-thirds of residents say Cork must transform into a more sustainable city

Seventy per cent of people typically travel to work or study in Cork city by car, while 38% use the bus and 15% cycle.

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of those living in Cork City strongly agree that Cork must transform into a more sustainable, climate-neutral and resilient place to live and work, according to a new survey.

Some 80% of the more than 500 residents surveyed also believe that the impacts of climate change are already apparent in the city.

The study was carried out on behalf of Cork City Council’s Climate Action Unit and found that 92% of participants want more parks, biodiversity, and green spaces in Cork City while 89% want more trees on city streets.

Some 86% of Cork people want more pedestrianized streets while 88% of participants said they want more locally produced foods.

The research, completed by Behavior and Attitudes, was undertaken to inform the draft Cork City Climate Action Plan which will go out to public consultation in the coming weeks.

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Transport

It revealed that 70% of people typically travel to work or study by car, while 38% use the bus and 15% cycle.

Some 40% of participants use public transport less often than weekly due to perceived poor reliability, poor frequency, and lack of service.

However, over 60% of weekly public transport users said fares, frequency, speed of service, and reliability have improved in the past 12 months.

Up to 26% of people who live in Cork cycle with fears around safety, and a lack of segregated cycle lanes being the main reasons that people don’t cycle more frequently.

Separately, a quarter of Cork motorists (25%) who drive diesel or petrol cars are likely to purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle within the next three years.

However, expense, range concerns, and lack of charging infrastructure at home and elsewhere remain some of the main barriers to a more widespread shift.

The research found a clear variation in travel mode depending on age with 16–34-year-olds being much more likely to be public transport users, weekly pedestrians and car passengers.

Meanwhile, nearly one-third of homeowners are planning a home retrofit or energy-system upgrade in the next 12 months.

Some 14% are considering installing solar panels with 9% planning on improving insulation.

Population growth

Cork City Council Chief Executive Ann Doherty said Cork is primed to be the fastest-growing city in the country over the next 20 years.

“Climate action must be at the heart of this growth. The City Development Plan, our blueprint for the next 6 years, commits us to growing as a sustainable, compact liveable city.

“By creating a city where people have economic opportunities, live near the health and education services they require, have access to quality green space and amenities and regular and reliable public transport and good walking and cycling facilities, we can live healthier lives and generate less emissions,” she said.