Decision time on controversial Wilton Road project

A vote will take place in City Hall this evening to decide whether controversial plans to upgrade Wilton Road will go ahead.

The plans include widening a section of Wilton Road to six lanes, comprising of two bus lanes, two cycle lanes and two traffic lanes, which it is understood would result in residents losing up to seven metres of garden space in places.

In a statement released ahead of tonight’s meeting, Cork City Council said: “The Wilton corridor was deemed to be of the highest priority due to its potential to remove traffic blockages, support sustainable travel, reduce journey times, improve safety etc.

“The corridor is considered to be critically important for access between the city centre and key destinations in the western suburbs including Cork University Hospital, Cork Institute of Technology, University College Cork, Bons Secours Hospital, County Council Offices, Boston Scientific etc.”

Upon the release of the plans in March, residents of Wilton Road formed the Wilton Community Action Group to protest the plans and held a number of peaceful protests in the build up to tonight’s meeting.

The most recent of these took place on Thursday evening when local home owners protested on Denney’s Cross and parked their cars on the road side during rush hour.