Public invited to enjoy 'a more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly' Cork city

CORK city is to host a series of ‘Open Streets’ events in the city centre across the summer, beginning on Sunday, May 19.

Members of the public are encouraged to come to town on these days without their car, either by walking, cycling, or using public transport to enjoy the some of the city’s streets without traffic and enjoy performances and street play events.

The first event later this month will take place on Cornmarket Street, North Main Street, and Patrick Street.

It will feature performances from big brass and percussion band Boola Boom, and Cornmarket St will become a dance floor from 1pm to 5pm with live bands and DJs.

“This is a great opportunity for people to come into town and shop, maybe get a bite to eat, or just walk around the city centre and enjoy the calm atmosphere,” Lord Mayor of Cork councillor Kieran McCarthy said.

There will also be games on North Main St with Let’s Play Cork, and a mini cycle village on Patrick St, with bikes including adaptive bikes on show, and other cycling activities.

“The Cork Cycling Campaign will organise a ‘spokes-of-the-wheel’ cycle event from key suburban areas to the city centre,” Helen Guinan, Cork Cycling Campaign, said.

“This will showcase safe routes for cycling into the city which aims to encourage people to cycle to the city on this Open Streets Day, and into the future.”

The quays and all car parks will be open to traffic as normal and street closures will be applied to Patrick St, North Main St, Cornmarket St, Castle St, and Adelaide St from 1pm to 5pm, with buses and taxis able to access Patrick St, and access for blue badge holders will also be facilitated as normal.

“By reducing traffic congestion, we are fostering a more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly urban landscape, increasing footfall and boosting local businesses, enriching the cultural fabric of our city for all to enjoy,” CEO of Cork Chamber Conor Healy added.

“Open Streets presents a great opportunity to showcase the rapid changes happening in Cork city — at the Cork Business Association, we believe the future of transportation lies in walking, cycling, and utilizing public transit like buses,” president of Cork Business Association Aaron Mansworth said.

Darren McAdam O’Connell from Cork Transport and Mobility Forum added: “It’s great to see Cork giving the streets back to the people for a day.”

A further four events will take place on Sunday, June 16, on Oliver Plunkett St; Saturday, August 24, on North Main St; Sunday, September 1, on Douglas Street, and Culture Night on Friday, September 20, on Cornmarket and North Main St.

The organisers welcome suggestions from other groups in the city and its suburbs who wish to host similar events in their communities.