Bus parking in Cork tourist town causing 'carnage'

Officials hope to locate designated spaces for coaches which don’t cause traffic issues and make it safer for passengers

The iconic 'House of Cards' terrace in Cobh, with St Colman’s Cathedral standing proudly behind it. File picture: Chani Anderson.

Chaotic tour bus parking is getting out of hand in one of the country’s premier tourist towns, leading to traffic issues as well as concerns for the health and safety of passengers getting on and off them.

Cork County Council engineers said they recognise it is a big issue in Cobh and promised to carry out a comprehensive review.

They hope to locate designated spaces for coaches which don’t cause traffic issues and make it safer for passengers.

Labour councillor Cathal Rasmussen highlighted concerns at a recent meeting of Cobh Municipal District Council.

He insisted officials and engineers look at improved parking arrangements for coaches visiting the town, particularly in areas near St Colman’s Cathedral and in the town centre.

Mr Rasmussen said that something has to be done before next year’s tourism season kicks off.

It has been reported that tourists alighting from coaches parking on footpaths adjacent to the cathedral in Cobh seem unaware of the dangers as they walk backwards into oncoming traffic to take pictures of the building.

There have been some near misses, but no serious accidents.

Mr Rassmussen described the issue of coaches parking outside the town’s heritage centre as “carnage". 

He said Cobh is set for a multimillion-euro public realm enhancement but that the issues with coach parking must be properly addressed before the project is implemented.

“We need to start this discussion now. The last summer was unbelievable for Cobh in terms of visitor numbers and that was great but there were buses parked everywhere,” Mr Rasmussen said.

Independent Ireland councillor Ger Curley said some tour buses were causing chaos as they went up narrow streets to turn.

It was also suggested that an out-of-town carpark be developed for coaches where they can park safely and be met by a feeder bus which can drop off tourists to local attractions. However, that service would have to be run by a private company.

“We also need to put signs up as to where and where not they should go,” Mr Curley said.

A spokesperson for Cork County Council said it "recognises the need for appropriate coach parking facilities in Cobh, particularly near St Colman's Cathedral and within the town centre and that Cork County Council will review existing arrangements and examine opportunities to improve parking and set-down facilities for visiting buses".