Lack of extra bus services for Cork v Tipperary match at Páirc Uí Chaoimh ‘utterly ridiculous’

Bus Éireann has said there will be no additional services running across Cork city this weekend to accommodate match-goers at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

A spokesperson for the bus company told The Echo that it intends to operate “normal scheduled services” on Sunday, with spectators attending the National Hurling League final between Cork and Tipperary advised to plan ahead for disruptions that may arise.

With more than 40,000 people expected to exit SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh after the match, publicans in the Ballintemple area have voiced concern for the safety and wellbeing of patrons.

Licensee of The Venue, Con Dennehy, said that the lack of additional bus services for such a large fixture is “utterly ridiculous”.

“The transport issue [in Ballintemple] is vital,” said Mr Dennehy. 

“When the match ends, there needs to be at least 10 to 15 double decker buses parked further down along the Blackrock Rd, even for the sake of an hour, just to take people back into town — they could go on then along other routes if they want to.

“This is important [and] if they [Bus Éireann] are not providing additional services for when the match ends, I think that’s nuts,” he added.

“For the last two matches there has been [additional] buses, but now for this one — with 40,000-plus people in the park, which would be the biggest [sporting event] certainly in the last 12 months — they’re not going to provide any extra buses — I think that’s utterly ridiculous.”

The spokesperson for Bus Éireann said: “Our resources will be focused on delivering the normal timetable across all routes in Cork city and county.

“Bus Éireann will operate normal scheduled services on Route 202/202A, with a service every 10 minutes, that operates adjacent to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. We would advise customers travelling to the game over the weekend to check out www.buseireann.ie for all updates and/or diversions ahead of travel.”