Cork to have its second say on new bus system
The second round of public consultation has been launched on the sustainable transport corridors earmarked for development as part of the BusConnects Cork programme.
Launched by the National Transport Authority (NTA), the latest round of consultation centres on the preferred route options which have been identified as part of the programme. This comes following the first round of public consultation on the Emerging Preferred Routes between June and October 2022.
BusConnects Cork is a €600m programme of work that aims to transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more accessible to more people. The programme aims to deliver approximately 91kms of new bus lanes and bus priority and 96km of cycle facilities.
Following the first round of public consultation, the NTA has been reviewing almost 3,000 submissions made by the public and engaging with 35 residents, business and special interest groups across the city.
Ann Doherty, Chief Executive of Cork City Council said: “Cork City Council is focused on creating a more sustainable city that is prepared for the future. However, we must make public transport and active travel an option for more people in more places across the city.
“Today’s proposals seek to take on board the feedback from the recent public consultation. The people of Cork have the opportunity once again to have their say on the amended proposals.”
It is hoped that the proposed sustainable transport corridors, of which there are now 11, will play a crucial role in realising the ambition of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy to increase the number of people using public transport in Cork fourfold by 2040 and expand the numbers cycling and walking by 33%.
Consultation on the revised proposals is already underway and will run until 25 May.
This month, a series of information events will be hosted across Cork city and county, with all submissions in the second round of public consultation to be reviewed by the NTA with plans refined accordingly. Technical, environmental, and transport impact assessment work will then take place with final plans due to be presented to An Bord Pleanála for statutory approval.
Commenting on the commencement of the second round of public consultation, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD said it is “vital that commuters and communities continue to have their say on the proposals”.
He said: “These views will help the NTA and Cork City Council in finalising the sustainable transport corridors and ensure that Cork has the public transport infrastructure to support a growing city.”
Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA, added: “BusConnects Cork is needed now more than ever. The 91km of new bus lanes and bus priority and 96km in cycling infrastructure will help meet the rapidly growing demand for bus services and active travel as well as providing modern infrastructure for a modern European city.”
For more information on the BusConnects Cork and the Sustainable Transport Corridors Project, visit: busconnects.ie/cork/.