NTA urged to consider installation of noise barriers on South Link Rd as part of BusConnects

A CORK city councillor has requested that the National Transport Authority (NTA) consider the installation of noise barriers along the South Link Rd as part of plans to develop 11 sustainable transport corridors (STCs) in the city.

Following a second round of public consultation on the plans, the NTA has published revised STC proposals for a third round of public consultation.

During a one-to-one interaction between the NTA and councillors, Independent councillor Mick Finn asked the NTA to consider the installation of noise barriers along the South Link to address problems being experienced by residents of several estates in the Turner’s Cross area.

“I have asked the NTA, as part of the BusConnects plan and the corridor into the city, to factor in noise mitigation measures along the South Link Rd to address concerns raised by residents along the Curragh Rd and into Capwell,” said Mr Finn following the meeting.

“I had a good hearing, and although it would be a significant cost, it wasn’t ruled out.”

The former lord mayor said he also raised issues concerning Pouladuff Rd, Greenmount, and Turner’s Cross during his meeting with the BusConnects planners.

As part of the €600m BusConnects Cork programme, the 11 STCs would see the development of around 91km of new bus lanes and bus priority lanes, and 98km of cycle facilities.

Consultation on the updated proposals began on Monday and runs until December 18.

Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, said he would like to see this latest consultation period extended, and has written to the NTA in this regard.

“The plan has completely transformed from initial proposals, many of which were not feasible and wouldn’t have had the desired impact,” said Mr Gould.

“I would argue that most of these changes have only been possible thanks to the engagement by communities in Cork and the willingness of the NTA to work with these communities.”

Mr Gould said he believed elements of the proposals still need to be “tweaked” and that the deadline of December 18 “won’t give people enough time to engage properly”.

“I am glad that at the launch of this phase, councillors Mick Nugent and Kenneth Collins received a commitment that the NTA would keep the closing date for submission under review. However, I think they must now seriously consider an extension.”