The first event in May was a huge success.

Now Cork City Council has announced the second in a series of Open Streets events in the city centre this summer, when members of the public will be encouraged to come to town without their car, either by walking, cycling or using public transport.

“We are thrilled to announce the next Open Street event will be on Sunday, June 16th, with a change of location from the last.” a spokesperson announced on social media.

“This time it will be held on Oliver Plunkett Street, in collaboration with the Cork Midsummer Festival Parade, with a performance from street art group Kamchatka.”

A brilliant bit of entertainment if you’re bringing kids into town, it’s an opportunity to enjoy the city’s streets without traffic and soak up the atmosphere with lively street performances, street play events and public information stands on cycling and public transport setting up on the day.

Three more planned events will take place on the following dates:

• Saturday, August 24th – North Main Street Carnival
• Sunday, September 1st: Autumnfest – Douglas Street
• Friday, September 20th – Culture Night – Cornmarket Street and North Main Street

The Open Streets series follows research, commissioned by Cork City Council’s Climate Action Unit, that revealed 29 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Cork City are caused by road transport.

A further study revealed that 64 per cent of Cork people strongly agree “Cork must transform into a more sustainable place to live and work that is climate neutral and resilient’ and that 86 per cent of us want more pedestrianised streets.

Buses and taxis will be able to access St. Patrick Street as normal and access for blue badge holders will also be facilitated.