Revamp plans for Parnell Place Bus Station

Bus Éireann has said a redesign of Cork city’s Parnell Place Bus Station is in the planning stages, but has not yet confirmed any timeline for completion of the works.

Plans seen by The Echo show that the revamp is set include new flooring, along with new doors and bathrooms.

The bus company is also planning to reconfigure the existing shop space at the station — which has been vacant ever since Twilight News announced its closure early last year — and replace it with a lost luggage facility.

Improvements to the floor, with a non-slip flooring finish, are planned — while new doors, as well as walls and ceilings, are planned and will be fire-rated; and desks, seats, and shelving are to be removed and replaced.

The plans include the installation of fully automatic doors, suitable for all users, which will be activated by sensors.

A new staff office, kitchenette and reception, new changing places, cleaners’ store, and toilets are also included in the plans.

Timeline

In response to a query on timelines for the project, a spokesperson for Bus Éireann told The Echo: “Construction works at Parnell Place Bus Station are currently in the planning stages.

“Before work commences, there is a detailed design plan to take place, before tendering and NTA [National Transport Authority] approval for construction award.”

Labour councillor Peter Horgan, chairperson of the council’s transport committee, told The Echo: “There are many strands to attracting people to utilising public transport, and a massive part of that is a central bus station that is attractive and inviting.

“The tendering matter needs to start now.

"We must have these works start as soon as possible to show the people of Cork there is confidence in the transport networks.”

Former transport minister Eamon Ryan said in 2024 that an accessibility upgrade project of Parnell Place Bus Station was planned under the public transport retrofit accessibility programme, which funds the retrofitting of older public transport infrastructure and facilities, to ensure access for everyone, including disabled and older people.

He said: “The project is estimated to cost €5.3m, and subject to available funding, is scheduled for construction in 2026.”