It’s about to get easier to walk and cycle around Cork.

The next eighteen months will bring some big changes, with new images released by City Hall today showing what we can expect from works on the MacCurtain Street Public Transport Improvement Scheme.

The scheme will improve the reliability and journey times of bus services in the city centre and provide improved walking and cycling infrastructure along the city quays and at key streets and junctions.

The project will also include 5.5 kms of new pathways and public lighting as well as a substantial programme of tree and shrub planting.

Walking and cycling is the future 

Cycling and pedestrian connectivity improvements, road resurfacing and signalised junction upgrades will facilitate traffic management changes along Anderson’s Quay, Camden Quay, Penrose Quay, Merchants Quay, Patrick’s Quay including Christy Ring Bridge, Lavitt’s Quay, Mulgrave Road, Devonshire Street and Cathedral Walk.

The scheme will culminate in the restoration of two way traffic to MacCurtain Street with transformative public realm works there and in the adjoining Bridge Street and Coburg Street area.

“How people get to and from work and leisure is a key challenge that must be addressed if the city is to function properly and to prosper,” said Cork City Council’s chief executive, Ann Doherty.

“A predominant reliance on private car usage is no longer tenable and must be replaced by greater opportunities for walking and cycling and radically improved public transport”.

CBA: Plans will help the city ‘reach its full potential

The plans have been met with approval and enthusiasm by Cork’s business community.

“CBA is delighted to see that development is starting on the McCurtain StreetPublic Transport Improvement Scheme.” said a spokesperson for the Cork Business Association.

“The upgrade will bring enormous benefits not only to businesses on McCurtain St, but on all the surrounding streets too… such as Bridge St., Coburg, St., etc. The improvements to transport links and public realm facilities will ultimately attract more footfall to the area, bringing a new vibrancy and excitement to this historic area of Cork, opening it up to enable it to reach its full potential.”