‘Minor tweaks’ will not address 'out of control' Cork traffic issues

An MEP has written to the chief executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, asking her to consider commissioning a report to identify possible measures to alleviate traffic gridlock in the city.

The local authority has been urged to commission the expert report by Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, who said she has written to the council to voice support for the implementation of a new city-wide traffic management plan.

The Fianna Fáil MEP said that several people have complained to her office recently about gridlock traffic, with one constituent saying it took them 90 minutes to get from Glanmire to Bishopstown, and an hour and 45 minutes to go from Glanmire to Cork University Hospital (CUH).

As part of this plan, Ms Ní Mhurchú has suggested the implementation of increased traffic policing and enforcement, speedier removal of cars after minor accidents and the introduction of new smart junction technologies.

Chairman of the Blarney Street and Surrounding Areas Community Association, Tom Coleman, who has been campaigning for measures to alleviate traffic across the city for more than two decades, said that he would welcome such a report, but would be wary of the length of time it would take to implement change.

“We have gridlock as it stands, and something dramatically has to happen in consultation with resident associations and businesses,” said Mr Coleman.

“It’s when the commissioning of the report would commence is the problem — it’s more communication and co-operation that’s needed at this stage.”

Frank Crowley, who is a professor of economics at University College Cork, said that investment into sustainable transport options is what is needed.

“Time after time, data reports inform us that Cork is one of the most congested small cities in Europe,” said Mr Crowley.

“There’s plenty of past and live data to inform the council — it’s action that is needed and most of the required action is investment in our public transport system, BusConnects and walking and cycling infrastructure.

“Minor tweaks with traffic lights and yellow box junctions are welcome, but they will not address the significant sustainable infrastructure deficits that are causing the problem.”

A spokesperson for AA Ireland said that the traffic experienced by road users driving in Cork each day “has gotten out of control” and that a “combination of short-term and long-term solutions are essential to tackle the issue effectively”.

Cork City Council was contacted for comment.