Consultation on major new northside road begins

By Daniel O'Neill

The public have been urged to take part in a consultation on the preferred route for the Cork Northern Distributor Multi-Modal Road (CNDMR).

The new road will be 14 kilometres long, 30 metres wide and go from the Carrigrohane Road at the western end to Glanmire in the east. It would cross the northern side of Cork City via Hollyhill, Dublin Hill and Banduff.

The road is a part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) from 2020, and would cater to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. It is hoped it will help with traffic congestion in the area, provide access for communities along the route to the wider city and unlock zoned land on the northside of Cork city for future residential and commercial development as well as provide new landscaped public spaces.

It was also confirmed that this project is separate to the proposed ring road that would connect the M8 to the N22.

The ring road has been proposed since the 1980s and is a long-term goal for the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS).

Cork County Council and the National Transport Authority are encouraging people to take part in the consultation, which is running until 10 April.

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Dan Boyle said: “I’m delighted that the Cork Northern Distributor Emerging Preferred Route has been published and is now out for consultation. This project is crucial for improving sustainable transport options across Cork city, prioritising non-car-based transport modes.”

He said he believes it will bring greater connectivity to both existing and new communities in this part of the city and encourages locals to be vocal about their opinions on the road.

Chief Executive of Cork City Council Valerie O’Sullivan added: “The Cork Northern Distributor Road is a critical enabler to improve the quality of life for those living and working in our city. It will ease the movement of people and trade across the city and unlock opportunities for further investment.”

After the consultation period, feedback will be taken into consideration, and the design and planning stages will begin.

Cork City Council will host several consultation days where the public can make their voices heard with the first taking place yesterday, Wednesday 5 March.

The others will take place on:

· Wednesday 12 March at The Maldron Hotel, Shandon from 10am -8pm

· Friday 21 March at Blackpool Shopping Centre from 10am-8pm

· Tuesday 25 March at City Hall, Anglesea Street from 10am-5pm

To view plans, visit cndmrpublicconsultation.ie. Members of the public can also let their voices be heard in writing. Letters are to be sent to CNDMR Public Consultation, Infrastructure Development Directorate, Cork City Council, City Hall, Anglesea Street, Cork, T12 T997 by 10 April at 5pm.

Planned measurements:

· 1m wide landscaped street lighting area on both sides

· 2.50m footpaths on both sides

· 3.25m wide two-way cycle tracks on both sides

· 1.50m planting buffer on both sides

· 3.25m bus lanes in both directions

· 3m traffic lanes in both directions.