County Council looks to enhance access for cyclists and buses at Little Island 

A consultant is being hired to deliver enhanced access for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport at Little Island.

Cork County Council announced plans to put the position to tender following the Little Island Transportation Study (LITS), which was initially commissioned in 2017 and the subsequent works. 

The designs will incorporate East Gate Business and Retail Park and hopes to improve access between the Retail Park and Little Island and between Little Island and the Railway Station.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey said the Little Island Capacity Improvement works, which were completed in July, have already resulted in significant improvements in traffic flows on and off the Island.

Mr Lucey said the next phase of the study hopes to introduce a bus service on the Island as envisaged by the Cork Metropolitan Area Transportation Strategy.

“Cork County Council is committed to investing in the infrastructure and capacity enhancement needed to ensure that Little Island can fulfil its strategic functions as an employment location, logistics hub and residential community into the future,” Mr Lucey said.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Councillor Christopher O Sullivan said “This development dovetails with the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Study, supporting ease of movement and access, with a focus on pedestrian and cycle connectivity within the Island and to the Little Island train station with the aim to improve quality of life for everyone on the island.” Little Island is home to approximately 1,500 people and provides employment for more than 8,500.

This project will be delivered by Cork County Council with funding provided by the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Government’s integrated investment and development strategy – Project Ireland 2040.