Cork city traffic light system ‘operating on a knife edge’, says councillor

Cork City Council has said there is no funding available to repair faulty traffic light sensors across the South East ward, despite claims from a local councillor that the system is “operating on a knife edge”.

At the latest local area committee meeting, a spokesperson for Cork City Council responded to a motion raised by Labour Party councillor for the ward, Peter Horgan, who requested a review of the traffic light system across the area.

The spokesperson said that despite the fact that once sensors are damaged, meaning that “signals cannot detect traffic and revert to a permanent demand which results in inefficient green times, increased waiting for motorists, and additional congestion”, there is “no capital funding provision for these works in 2026”.

“A single loop repair on a 50km p/h road typically costs between €1,500 and €2,500, depending on the traffic management required,” the spokesperson said.

“The replacement of obsolete equipment, electrical safety and on-street detection issues is typically funded from capital expenditure, and the repairs to the existing equipment is therefore currently funded through the revenue budget,” said the spokesperson.

Domino impact

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Horgan said traffic lights in need of repairs include those at the Maryborough Hill junction with Maryborough Woods and along the Skehard Rd at the CSO and credit union junctions. He said these are having “a domino impact” on other areas in the ward.

“It’s very clear that our traffic light system is operating on a knife edge,” said Mr Horgan.

“The fact that one faulty sensor can knock out a significant portion of the local network snarling up traffic flows isn’t good enough.

“I’m glad that on foot of this motion, and engaging with officials at senior level, that we are now going to examine for Budget 2027 seeking a fund for these sort of repairs to ensure swifter restoration. I’m determined to enhance our budgets to deliver for the communities we represent, and this is another element of that.”