Lavitt's Quay bus stop has been temporarily closed to help the traffic flow in the area.

Regional Manager of Bus Eireann Martin Walsh has said the decision was reached following discussions with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Cork City Council in an effort to ease congestion in the area.

Since the partial traffic ban has been brought in on Patrick Street between the hours of 3pm and 6.30pm, traffic in the surrounding area has increased considerably.

Bus passengers must now board the 202,203 and 2015, heading up the northside from Merchants Quay and Parnell Place.

The change was brought in yesterday morning at 9.30am.

Mr Walsh said all efforts were made to notify people of the change through social media, signs at the bus stop and they have also contacted all major companies on the northside such as Apple, which may have workers using the route.

Mr Walsh said at the moment the change was temporary, but no final decision had been made on the change.

“It is being assessed at the moment. We are looking to improve the traffic in the area and this is something that we think will help.”