Cork doctor urges people to make submissions on cycle infrastructure as deadline nears 

As the deadline for submissions on Cork City Council’s Interim Cycle Infrastructure Phase 3 consultation nears, a Cork doctor has urged people to ensure they have their say on the future of Cork’s infrastructure, and is encouraging people to make submissions to the consultation.

Last month, Cork City Council opened a consultation on proposals to install interim cycle infrastructure/traffic calming measures on Donovan Road, College Road, Magazine Road, and between Magazine Road and Glasheen Road.

Works are also proposed for Melbourn Road and Rossa Avenue.

As part of the proposals, a dedicated outbound cycle lane will be provided on Donovan Road, there will be provision of new lining, signage and renewal of surfacing where needed on College Road and Magazine Road, and the existing path between Magazine Road and Glasheen Road will be upgraded.

The second phase of the scheme includes the provision of dedicated northbound and southbound cycle lanes on Melbourn Road and Rossa Avenue.

Irish Doctors for the Environment, who has been calling for the development of a protected cycleway between the city’s hospitals, is among those who have made submissions on the proposals and say the plan is a “very positive step” towards such a development.

“Currently legislation allows the installation of pop-up cycle lanes throughout Ireland in line with social distancing infrastructure. We would like to see delivery of this route expedited and further connectivity to CIT, the Mercy and South Infirmary,” the group said.

Last month, a petition which secured more than 3,000 signatures from members of the public and health care professionals calling for the development of a protected cycleway between the city's hospitals was presented to City Hall. 

The consultation for the Cork City Council's proposal is set to close at 12 noon tomorrow and Dr Vincent Wall, a spokesperson for Irish Doctors for the Environment said he hoped that people, including those who signed the petition, would have their say on the plan.

“We would encourage as many people to weigh in on the proposed phase 3 infrastructure. These issues are important, it’s your city and you need to make your voice heard. It makes sure your voice falls on the council's ears. Make sure they know we want safer roads,” he said.