MacCurtain Street scheme will benefit the people of Cork for generations to come, says Tánaiste 

THE MacCurtain Street Public Transport Improvement Scheme was officially opened on Saturday by Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy.

The ambitious project is aimed at improving the reliability and journey times of bus services in the city and providing improved walking and cycling infrastructure along the quays and at key streets and junctions.

Speaking before the event, the Tánaiste said: “Cities are for our people, our streets are places where people can meet to connect and enjoy the unique atmosphere that areas like MacCurtain Street have to offer.

“The improvements in the public spaces delivered under the MacCurtain Street Public Transport Improvement Scheme will benefit this city and the people of Cork for generations to come," said Mr Martin.

“An inviting, attractive public space inevitably fosters a sense of community, economic development, health and wellbeing, bringing the city to life. This scheme will make public transport, walking and cycling more attractive for those living in, working in and visiting the city centre".

Funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA), the works included major public realm investment, with over 12,530 square metres of public realm and upgraded pathways, new public lighting, seating, street furniture as well as a substantial programme of tree and shrub planting.

The scheme incorporates the installation of one kilometre of new cycle lanes providing connectivity to the wider cycle network from Shandon Street to the Marina via dedicated cycling facilities, as well as upgrades to 17 signalised traffic junctions and pedestrian crossings; 12 new bus stops, five of which have  shelters, and more than 30,360 metres of resurfaced roadway.

The project area encompasses several of the streets and quays in the area surrounding MacCurtain Street.

These have facilitated traffic management changes along Anderson’s Quay, Camden Quay, Penrose Quay, Merchant’s Quay, St. Patrick’s Quay including Christy Ring Bridge, Lavitt’s Quay, Mulgrave Road, Devonshire Street and Cathedral Walk.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy started off the official opening ceremony, delivering what he said were “three brief messages, which are bound up with some reflections with the past, the present and the future.” 

He spoke firstly about the history and the heritage of the street, the buildings, the people and their stories since the end of the 1700s.

“Secondly, the revitalised street can be said to pack a punch to the heart by bringing more people together”, he said, paying tribute to the business community for their “valued contribution, imagination, creativity and motivation” over the past decade, for consistently lobbying to get the project across the line.

He continued: “I am of the view that a more connected community is a safer community for everyone in living in it, because with building stronger relationships comes more opportunities to talk, share and support each other.” 

Finally, he spoke about the future, acknowledging Cork City Council, and saying the population of Cork was set to grow hugely and that climate flagship initiatives 

such as improving public transport for greener travel, which is at the core of the McCurtain Street project, were at the heart of that

Tánaiste Micheál Martin spoke next, but was interrupted by Pro-Palestine activists who chanted for the duration of his six minute address, admonishing Martin for not voting in favour of the Social Democrats proposal to impose sanctions on Israel and expel the Israeli ambassador from Ireland.

He continued to deliver his planned speech praising all who had been involved in the McCurtain Street project.

In his speech, the Tánaiste said: “This project is one of Cork City Council’s headline projects delivered in 2023, and is a clear signal of this government’s determination to provide attractive and sustainable transport projects in line with our policy commitments.

“What we’re doing here today and indeed across the city and county is to transform the public realm for walkers, for cyclists, and for those who are travelling on public transport.

“This is the second significant sustainable travel project in Cork city in the space of just over a week, the other being the bridge to Tramore Valley and the Vernon Mount bridge on November 17.

“This is a testament to the commitment of the council to transforming our transport network and making it cleaner and more sustainable for all.” 

Anne Graham, chief executive officer of the National Transport Authority (NTA) spoke next, highlighting the many benefits of the works.

“This scheme forms an integral part of the Cork Metropolian Area Transport Policy, to prioritise sustainable transport, reduce car dependency and to provide a high level of public transport connectivity," said Ms Graham..

“These enhancements will have a transformational effect on McCurtain Street itself, facilitating a pedestrian friendly atmosphere along the expanded, newly planted pavements that we can see here today.” 

The chief executive of Cork City Council, Ann Doherty, thanked everyone who made the project happen, praising the support of both local and national politicians, the NTA, the councillors, as well as the many engineers, planners, and construction workers.

Following the speeches, the Lord Mayor and the Tánaiste unveiled the commemorative plaque on McCurtain Street, just across the road from The Metropole, and then the two cut a ribbon, declaring the revamped street official open.

The road was closed to traffic from 10am until 4pm on Saturday to facilitate a family fun day, which included street performers and face-painting.

Director of operations of the VQ, a local business community group, Shane Clarke told The Echo that it was a fantastic day for businesses, and that there was a lovely atmosphere in the area today.

“The businesses are over the moon and bursting with both enthusiasm and pride as well. We take our hats off to our colleagues at City Council and the NTA for what they’ve delivered today.” 

A key component of the MacCurtain Street Public Transport Improvement Scheme is improved bus infrastructure and changes to several Cork City bus routes.

New 24-hour bus lanes will be in operation on MacCurtain Street, Coburg Street, Bridge Street and Cathedral Walk. It is envisaged thiswill improve bus journey times and allow for two-way bus movements on these streets, making it easier to access local schools and businesses by bus.

New Bus Routes for the 207, 207A, 208 and 209 are as follows:

The southbound routes will travel from Summerhill North and turn right onto MacCurtain Street and stop at the new westbound bus stop opposite York Street.

They will continue westbound on MacCurtain Street and then turn left onto the new contraflow bus lane on Bridge Street, stopping at the new bus stop on Bridge Street.

They will then continue onto St. Patrick’s Bridge and then onto St. Patrick’s Street.

The right turn from Summerhill North onto MacCurtain Street will be for busses only. There will be no right turn for motorists from Summerhill North onto MacCurtain Street.

The northbound buses will travel from St. Patrick’s Street onto St. Patrick’s Bridge then onto Bridge Street and stop at the new bus stop on Bridge Street.

They will continue onto MacCurtain Street and travel eastbound to the new stop on MacCurtain Street beside York Street.

As before the 207, 207A, 208 and 209 will continue onto Summerhill North, the 214 onto the Lower Glanmire Road, and the 205 and 212 onto Alfred Street.

New Bus Routes for the 203, 215 and 248:

The southbound routes for the 203, 215 and 248 will travel from the N20 to Leitrim Street and onto the new sheltered bus stop on Coburg Street.

They will then turn right onto Bridge Street, continue onto St Patrick’s Bridge and then onto St Patrick’s Street for the 203 and 215 and the Bus Station for the 248.

The northbound routes will travel from St Patrick’s Bridge, onto Bridge Street, turn left onto Coburg Street.

The bus will continue onto Devonshire Street turn right onto the N20.

A new contraflow bus lane has been provided on Cathedral Walk to facilitate access for the 203 and 215 to Watercourse Road.