Works on pedestrian crossing near Cork hospital will create a 'much safer environment'

Improvement works to a pedestrian crossing in Wilton have been welcomed by a newly elected city councillor who believes the revamped crossing will create a “much safer environment for those trying to cross this dual carriageway”.

Fianna Fáil councillor for the city’s South West ward Terry Coleman said works to the crossing near Cork University Hospital (CUH) have been completed.

“As both a local Fianna Fáil councillor and in my role as the chairman of the Wilton Shopping Centre Traders Association, I very much welcome the newly finished upgrades to the footpaths on the centre verge between the Cork University Hospital and Wilton Shopping Centre,” Mr Coleman told The Echo.

“I have advocated strongly for these upgrades and I am delighted that they are now complete.

“The realignment, upgrading and widening of these footpaths on the centre island between the hospital and the shopping centre will make it much safer for the thousands of patients, and staff of the CUH/CUMH to converge while waiting at the lights to cross to the shopping centre daily.

“It creates a much safer environment for those trying to cross this dual carriageway.

“I appreciate that there was some traffic disruption while the works were being carried out, but the contractors completed the job before the school traffic started back.”

Separately, Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has welcomed the installation of a pedestrian crossing at Bellevue in Grange.

“Many residents and parents of children at Scoil Niocláis had raised with me the need for improved safety measures at Bellevue.

“Both in terms of school traffic and ensuring the safety of children, parents and staff at pick up and collection times, but also to prevent speeding outside of school hours, which I know has been an issue for local residents.

“I know there was a lot of disappointment when this was not included by the Department of Transport for funding last year, which was hard to comprehend to be entirely honest given the scale of school traffic and the concerns that had been addressed.

“I am glad that this year this has been addressed, with the pedestrian crossing, heightened ramps and new signage,” Mr Ó Laoghaire said.

The Cork South Central TD said he wished to commend residents and parents who had campaigned for the crossing.