BusConnects plan 'will cause Douglas village to die'

Several traders fear for the commercial viability of the urban village

Douglas village business owners Peter Collins, Dave Halpin, and Stephen King who are among several traders opposed to the NTA's BusConnects plans for the village. Picture: Dan Linehan

BusConnects proposals for Douglas in Cork threaten the commercial viability of the urban village, several traders have claimed, with one publican putting plans for a €3m expansion on hold.

Peter Collins, who has run Barry’s of Douglas since 1994, confirmed that he has paused his refurb plans amid concerns about the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) plans for a strategic transport corridor (STC) through the village, where traffic gridlock is a regular problem.

In a letter to NTA chief executive Anne Graham, he said the village relies on people being able to drive their car, park, shop, eat, and move in and out alongside people who travel by other means.

“We want to find a way where the village can continue to exist hand-in-hand with enhanced bus services,” he said.

“But the village will not be visited if the BusConnects corridor is adopted. Douglas village will die."

It comes as Cork City Council backed a motion by Fine Gael councillor Des Cahill on Monday calling for continued consultation on the plans.

“We have one chance to get this right, and we need to get it right from the outset,” he said. 

The STC I, from Maryborough Hill to the city centre, is one of 11 STCs citywide which are in the third phase of public consultation.

It includes the replacement of the landmark Fingerpost roundabout at Douglas with a signalised junction, new bus and cycle facilities through Douglas village via East Douglas St, with bus gates to restrict traffic access, and the removal of several left and right turns at specific junctions.

Concerns 'not addressed'

Despite some changes since the first designs were published in 2022, Mr Barry said many of the traders’ concerns have not been addressed, and their suggested alternatives, including running the STC along the relief road and introducing a one-way system, have not been considered fully.

Dave Halpin, who runs Eco restaurant, said: “We are for BusConnects in general, but the finer details of the effects it will have on the village, and the issue of accessibility for people, have not been taken on board.

Public transport is a good thing. We are all for a reduction in car usage. This is meant to create a better living environment for everybody, but they just don’t seem to have thought out the impact it will have on businesses."

The NTA said it is aware of the concerns and plans to meet members of the village’s business association again in the coming weeks “to ensure that the proposals are optimised to benefit the village and its businesses”.

“Douglas village is an important destination and the proposal is to bring the STC into the village and continue to serve East Douglas St,” a spokesman said.

“The investment is intended to enhance the accessibility and attractiveness of the village. Similar schemes, both nationally and internationally, demonstrate that improved accessibility and street enhancements created by these projects generate increased footfall and economic activity.”

Meanwhile, the estimated 1,500 submissions on all 11 STCs are being reviewed as final designs are prepared.

It is expected that the plans will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála in late 2024 and 2025.