Urgent call for new pedestrian crossings on Cork's southside

An urgent call for the installation of temporary pedestrian crossings across the Cork city South East ward has been made ahead an upcoming government-led campaign aimed at increasing active travel.

Labour Party councillor for the Cork city South East ward, Peter Horgan, who is chair of Cork City Council’s Transport Committee, said that the government’s upcoming advertising campaign, which is due to launch in the coming days, “should come with a war fund”.

The new advertising campaign is aimed at providing members of the public with information on alternative ways to conserve fuel amid the energy crisis, with a renewed push for active travel, such as walking and cycling to work, being a key pillar of the initiative.

While in support of increased active travel campaigns, Mr Horgan said there is an urgent need for the installation of temporary pedestrian crossings across Ballintemple, Ballinlough, Skehard Road, Boreenmana Road, Beaumont and the wider South East Ward, to facilitate such a scheme.

Mr Horgan said there is growing concern for pedestrian safety in the areas as “infrastructure is not keeping pace with demand”.

“Recent coverage has highlighted the push for more people to choose active travel, but also the real risks faced by pedestrians where safe crossing points are lacking,” said Mr Horgan.

“People are being encouraged to walk and cycle more, and that is the right thing to do — but we cannot ask families, schoolchildren and older residents to take those journeys without putting the most basic safety infrastructure in place.

“If the government is going to push for more walking and cycling, fast additional funding is needed to ensure safe crossings.

“Temporary crossings can be delivered quickly and at low cost,” he added.

“We have seen elsewhere that measures like raised tables and zebra crossings can dramatically improve safety and slow traffic.” 

Additionally, Mr Horgan stressed that communities should not have to wait years for permanent infrastructure.

“We cannot tell parents to wait for multi-year capital projects while their children navigate unsafe roads today,” said Mr Horgan.

“Emergency measures must be rolled out now. This is about protecting lives and supporting healthier, more sustainable communities.

“The council must act quickly and decisively to put these crossings in place but need the funds and resources now to deliver.”