Cork city centre revamp raises concerns over one-way traffic plans

Concerns have been raised about loss of parking and where traffic is going to go under the proposed Mary St, Douglas St, and White St public realm enhancement scheme, expected to cost around €10m.

The proposed upgrades include pedestrian zones, one-way traffic systems, rationalisation of parking, enhanced public spaces, and landscaping, as well as a new neighbourhood pocket park at the eastern end of Douglas St.

Among the proposals are the conversion of a number of streets into one way systems, including: Douglas St, Meade St, Drinan St, Cove St and White St.

Public consultation for the scheme, which Cork City Council said seeks to restore the South Parish area’s “village within the city”, opened on Thursday, with observations and comments to be accepted up until Monday 25 August.

The council aims to begin construction in late 2026 or early 2027, with the scheme to be brought to councillors later this year following the public consultation.

Councillors attended a meeting about the scheme earlier this week, where there were mixed opinions about several aspects.

Fianna Fáil’s Seán Martin told The Echo that there were positives and negatives.

“It looks fantastic, but we did raise questions about things like parking. They’re looking at taking out about 65 spots, so we have to look at that from a real world perspective.” 

He added that he and other councillors in the ward voted for a social housing project that took up a lot of parking in the area, “so in that context we want to see what’s still there left there.

“We’re also wondering where the traffic is going to go – a lot of cars go down that route in the mornings, and there will be things tied up with bus corridors for BusConnects so we’d like to see the traffic models.” 

He added that he had asked council to look at existing public spaces, and to consider including the nearby Parkowen in the plans, and upgrading that to better serve the community.

“Overall, the plans look very well and in the long term will be beneficial,” he said, adding that the investment in the area was welcome, and that the council were looking for around €10m for the project from central government.

Social Democrats councillor Niamh O’Connor said that the scheme was overall very positive.

“The plans for the Douglas St area are really exciting and it’s great to be at the stage where the public are able to have their say.

“The South Parish is a fantastic community in the heart of the City and it’s an area steeped in history. When my mum and dad were growing up in the South Parish, Douglas St was ‘town’ in their eyes, it was a thriving street full of life.

“Sadly, in recent years the street has gotten quite shabby but it still has some of the best pubs and independent shops in the city and it still has a great community, nowhere is that more evident than in the fantastic Douglas St Business Association.

“The area really deserves this investment and I would urge everyone to have their say on the plans, it’s really important that the public get involved with what the council does to their city with their money.”