Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has said that the 2012 grants to Cork City and County Councils will deliver improvements in public and sustainable transport. Deputy Buttimer was commenting on an announcement by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, to provide €8.2 million to both Councils.
“These grants are targeted at the Cork metropolitan area and will deliver improvements in public and sustainable transport. This is a welcome investment in Cork’s transport infrastructure. As well as assisting in making public transport more accessible and reliable it will develop local facilities which will be welcomed by residents.
Carrigaline / Crosshaven
“For Carrigaline and Crosshaven the Minister has said that €550,000 from this round of grants will be invested in the area. The works to be included the completion of Phase 1 of the Carrigaline Green Route, delivering cycle lanes and new footpaths. In Crosshaven footpaths and pedestrian crossings will be improve pedestrian safety and access to schools. Also, the junction at Cogan’s Corner in Carrigaline will be signalised, making it more user-friendly and suitable for the high volume pedestrians and vehicles who use the junction.
Douglas / Rochestown / Passage West
“The Minister’s announcement includes €850,000 in funding for projects in Douglas, Rochestown and Passage West. The completion of Phase 1 of the Carrigaline Green Route will deliver cycle lanes, new footpaths and traffic lights at Barry’s Corner. At Cooney’s Lane improved pedestrian facilities will improve action to schools. In Rochestown a new footpath will be provided on Monastery hill and at St. Patrick’s Roundabout a footpath will link the roundabout with the pedestrian crossing on Rochestown Rise. Part of the funding will also be used to upgrade the bus stop at Broadale.
South East
“The South East area of the city will benefit greatly from these grants. Most significantly €1.35 million will be provided to replace the roundabout on Skehard Road with traffic lights, this will project will include road realignment, a bus lane, cycle lane and footpaths. This investment will deliver a safer and more user-friendly junction. Other investments in the South East of the city include a pedestrian crossing at the junction of Rhodaville Estate and Douglas Road and the completion of improved pedestrian and cycle facilities on Boreenmanna Road.
“The annual Green Route performance report identified a number of junctions which are pinch points, causing delays for public transport services. This round of grant funding aims to reduce the delays at these intersections improving the reliability of public transport. Among the junctions where this work will be carried out at Dennehy’s Cross and the Sunday’s Well Road / Western Road. These improvements together with the on-going roll out of real time passenger information should make bus services a more reliable and dependable service for users.
“It is important that we continue to review and improve transport facilities across the city. These improvements will enable Cork to become a user-friendly city, making it easier to do business, more attractive for visitors and improving accessibility for local residents. As well as these much needed benefits these grants will generate employment during the construction phase of these labour intensive projects.”