Expansion of tap-to-pay machines in Douglas is underway

Labour Party Councillor Peter Horgan has welcomed confirmation made to him following the meeting of the Ward that the tap-to-pay retrofit of parking machines in Douglas is underway following the installation of two tap-to-pay machines in the car park by the ICA hall. 

"The commitment to further rollout the tap-to-pay functionality is very welcome and I look forward to tracking it," said Cllr Horgan.

"Tap-to-pay is an everyday reality but ensuring coinage and cash are accepted is crucial so that all users are catered for. Having the options available to pay is important as part of the parking regime in the village."

Cllr Horgan said he received the following response to his query:

"It is the intention to expand the number of tap-to-pay machines in Douglas. We have assessed the activity and location of each machine and will expand the tap to pay option on a phased basis, prioritising the busiest machines first. 

"It is not intended to replace all of them but we will endeavour to ensure that most locations have at least one dual payment option."

A call has also been made by the Labour Party councillor for increased consideration of the South East ward in plans for Cork’s Bus Connects project.

Mr Horgan said that it is frustrating that provisions for bus stop enhancements across the ward have not been included in the latest correspondence shared by the Bus Connects team.

In a leaflet published by Bus Connects last week, there are no visible plans for new, upgraded or re-positioned bus stops across the areas of Ballinlough, Ballintemple, Mahon, Blackrock, Douglas, Rochestown and Maryborough.

"We have a rake of bus stops across the South East ward, particularly on routes that support vulnerable passengers [which] need clear signage installed,” said Mr Horgan.

“It’s also confusing the different strands and personnel responsible for bus stop signage.

“We need a bus shelter in Blackrock village; bus shelters and improvements for Maryborough Woods and Carrigaline Road; the creation of bus stops at Menloe Gardens, St Michael's Church, Blackrock Village and Convent Road; and pole improvements at the bus stop at Lissadell Northbound.

“A bus stop should not take this long to provide - having properly signed stops, with shelters where possible, is a tiny sliver in encouraging more use of our public transport network."