'Vital' scheme to improve driving conditions in Ballyvolane moves a step closer

A “VITAL” scheme aimed at delivering enhanced facilities for road users in the Ballyvolane area has taken a step closer to becoming a reality.

The Ballyvolane Strategic Transport Corridor Scheme — North Ring Road to Mervue was approved by councillors in early 2022, following public consultation in 2021.

It is aimed at delivering enhanced facilities for all road users with particular benefits for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.

Last November a spokesperson for Cork City Council told The Echo that the scheme has planning permission, but that the local authority was “waiting on [an] An Bord Pleanála decision regarding the application for a Compulsory Purchase Order [CPO] to acquire the lands necessary to construct the scheme”.

In an update this week, Cork City Council said An Bord Pleanála “has confirmed the Compulsory Purchase Order” and that the council “has subsequently published the Notice of Confirmation for the CPO and are continuing with related landowner engagement along with the preparation of tender documentation”.

“Following this process and NTA [National Transport Authority] funding approval to proceed, Cork City Council intend to go to tender by the end of the year,” the local authority added.

Speaking following the An Bord Pleanála decision, Labour Party councillor for the city’s North East ward, John Maher, said he welcomed that the board has confirmed the CPO but described the delay in the council receiving a decision as “frustrating”.

“It is crucial that we now push it on.

“This will see vital improvements to the junctions at the Fox and Hounds junction, Ballyhooly Road junction and Riverview/ Clonard junctions.

“It will also see cycleways, pedestrian crossings and proper footpaths and public lighting linking into the new Longview development in Laherdane,” he said.

“We expect and must persist to ensure substantial funding next year to bring project to completion. 

"It’s an exciting time to live in Ballyvolane, new homes, new infrastructure and more transport options with BusConnects.

“I’ve lived here for 12 years and it’s not before time that we got the investment in local amenities, more community playing pitches, sufficient drainage in our park and an improved playground.

“The job of work continues but this is good news for all in the Ballyvolane community.”