Wilton Road plans ‘lunacy’

Furious residents of one of Cork’s busiest roads are worried that a plan to upgrade the road will run out of money before it’s finished.

The local authority published a Part 8 planning application for major works on the Wilton Road back in March which was met with a major backlash from residents who believe the six-lane plan is “lunacy” and unnecessary.

After the application was submitted, residents of the Wilton Road formed a group in order to oppose the plans which would see two bus lanes and two cycle lanes installed between Victoria Cross and Wilton.

Speaking to the Cork Independent, John Bowman, Public Relations Officer for Wilton Community Action Group, said: “If you lift that road you're opening a Pandora's Box. Our fear is they're going to run out of money and we're going to be left with this Frankenstein bastardisation of a road outside the house, and no intention to come back to it,” he said.

Another concern that the group has is that councillors will not have enough time to fully understand the plans. A vote is set to take place next Monday at Cork City Hall when it will be decided if the plans are to get the green light.

Mr Bowman continued: “The report comes out to the councillors sometime on Friday, then they're all taken into a meeting with the engineers. Most of the councillors have never read these reports. Then they're herded back in on Monday to vote on it.”
In reference to the Wilton Road project on its website, Cork City Council said: “The project aims to deliver enhanced facilities for all road users but with particular benefits for bus users, cyclists and pedestrians.”
It also added: “The Wilton corridor was deemed to be the highest priority route due to a number of factors including the large volumes of traffic using the route, the concentration of public transport along the route etc. The problems at Dennehy’s Cross are of particular concern and warrant an immediate response in advance of any possible larger corridor project. 
“This approach is supported by the National Transport Authority who is providing the necessary funding for the proposed works. 
“The construction phase is expected to commence in early 2020. The construction programme is expected to take approximately nine months to complete. The city council will work closely with affected parties to ensure that disruption is minimised throughout the construction phase. Access to properties will be maintained at all times.”
Ahead of Monday’s vote, the Wilton Community Action Group held a protest on Wilton Road yesterday when they parked their cars along the side of the road to create a traffic jam.