Cork city is set to pedestrianise streets and increase cycle paths as the city gradually lifts lockdown restrictions.
As part of Cork City Council‘s first phase of reopening the city, a number of measures have already been put in place to ensure social distancing can happen on the city’s street, including the pedestrianisation of the Marina near Páirc Uà Chaoimh and the pedestrianisation of Oliver Plunkett Street.
During the second phase, Cork City Council proposes the pedestrianisation of Father Matthew Street, Cross Street, Fitton Street East, Liberty Street, Emmet Place, Castle Street and Daunts Square.
Cork City Council Assistant Chief Executive, Brian Geaney said, “Working with the Government’s reopening roadmap, the €3.5 billion Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) and our own City Centre Movement Strategy (CCMS) as our overriding framework, we wanted to take a creative but evidence-based approach to reawaken and reimagining our city.
“First and foremost, we want residents, workers and visitors to the city to feel that they can safely practise social distancing in our city and that it is an attractive place to visit during these unusual times.
“We started with the city centre but are looking out to the wider new city. Our approach protects health and wellbeing but all proposed interventions will need to be fully considered by all stakeholder interest groups in the city.”
He added, “In the medium term, we have a unique opportunity to rethink the future of the City in a way that boosts the quality of life, sustainability and opportunity.”
The council is also considering encouraging pedestrians to ensure they’re walking on the right at all times on some of the city’s bridges.
New bike stands are to appear at 43 new locations in Cork City, and the council is also considering locating such bike stands in surrounding towns and villages like Ballincollig, Blarney, Tower and Glanmire.
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