Sustainable transport to receive €8.3million boost in Cork
The Minister for Public and Commuter Transport in Ireland, Alan Kelly, has announced that Cork city and its suburbs will benefit from an €8.3million investment in sustainable transport projects.
The Minister for Public and Commuter Transport in Ireland, Alan Kelly, has announced that Cork city and its suburbs will benefit from an €8.3million investment in sustainable transport projects.
As part of the regional cities sustainable transport programme, the funding will be used to improve the walking, cycling and public transport network for city commuters.
In comparison to the capital Dublin where 21 per cent of commuters use public transport, the figure is only 8 per cent in Cork city and just 2 per cent use bikes as part of their commute.
Around €1 million will be spent on a new city centre strategy designed to relocate road space and facilitate public transport in order to reduce journey times and improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
A further €600,000 will be spent on improving access to Kent station, while €500,000 is earmarked for improving the links to the city centre.
Funding will also be used to complete projects started last year, including a new cycle route to connect the city centre to University College Cork and cycle corridors to link both Douglas and the Ballyvolane to the city centre.
The investment will be used to complete the first phase of the Carrigaline Green Route and to begin the second phase to improve the bus and cycling provision along Maryborough Hill.
The Minister has also reiterated his commitment to bringing a bike-rental scheme to Cork city. An advertising programme seeking a potential sponsor for such a scheme has been undertaken and Minister Kelly has reported significant progress with this initiative.