Kinsale rolls out trial pedestrianisation of two streets to support local businesses

A trial closure of Short Quay and the Sunday closure of Main Street in Kinsale has been rolled out as a means to support businesses during the summer months.

The closure of the roads to vehicular traffic was confirmed by Cork City Council following an extensive consultation under Project ACT, a programme to support businesses and communities impacted by Covid-19.

The pedestrianisation of the streets will allow for social distancing in the town which was identified as one that could suffer most from the two-metre distancing guidelines with its many narrow streets.

Kinsale is known as Ireland’s Gourmet Capital and its vast range of restaurants, hotels and bars are among the businesses most affected by the pandemic.

Working closely with the businesses through the Town Activation Team Meeting process Cork County Council responded through the development of radical moves that would normally only be considered on side streets in cities and matched the bravery of the businesses.

The Council which has been working closely with businesses in the town through the Kinsale Town Activation Team confirmed that if the temporary closures of Short Quay and Main Street are successful that other locations may be considered for pedestrianisation going forward.

Members of Kinsale Town Activation Team and Cork County Council have also identified and are temporarily removing some car parking spaces outside of businesses so as they can trade safely on the footpaths outside their premises.

Chair of the Bandon Kinsale Municipal District of Cork County Council, Cllr Kevin Murphy, said that the business community is “fully committed” to making the best of an unusual summer in the town.

He said that “hopefully” the pedestrianisation of the two streets would make for a more enjoyable experience for residents and domestic tourists to the town.

“Kinsale features prominently in the Rediscover Cork County map, which it’s hoped will help give a real boost of local tourism in the months ahead,” he said.

The Rediscover Cork County Tourism Map can be found by visiting www.corkcoco.ie.