Frequently Asked Questions

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Private Coach Operators and Passenger FAQs

When will the buses relocate to their new pick up/drop off locations?

All services will move in the week beginning May 23rd.

How will I know where to catch my bus?

Information will be available here on www.transportforcorkcity.ie,  there will be signage on St.Patrick's Quay in the run up to the changeover and your designated coach company should advise you of your new stop when you purchase your ticket.

Where are the new bus stops?

The new bus stops and the services located there are as follows:

  • Cork Connects, Cobh Connects, Cork Day Tours stops will be located at St. Patrick’s Quay, next to Mary Elmes Bridge;
  • Aircoach and Go Bus stops will be located atLower Glanmire Road, opposite Moody Café;
  • City Link and Paddywagon  will be located at the existing bus stop on MacCurtain Street opposite The Metropole;
  • West Cork Connect will be located at Penrose Quay;
  • Dublin Coach will be located atAnderson’s Quay, opposite Jury’s Inn.

 OCIC-St-Patricks-Quay-Bus-Stops-V09-FINAL-AW-Full-web

Click on the map above to view a larger image.

Will this move affect Bus Eireann services?

No, Bus Eireann services will not be affected by these changes.  

Why is this change happening?

This change is to facilitate the infrastructural improvements being carried out as part of the MacCurtain Street Public Transport Improvement Scheme. 

What are the improvements for bus passengers?

Bus shelters will be provided for private bus and coach operators as well as safe set-down areas for people dropping off and picking up passengers.

Designated bus lanes will increase which will shorten bus journey times; traffic flow in the city centre will change along the quays and on MacCurtain Street and there will be a significant investment in public realm improvements.  

Were the bus companies consulted on these changes?

Yes, Cork City Council announced these changes in 2020 and all companies were made aware of the details. At the end of 2021 as the date for the changeover drew nearer, Cork City Council undertook further one to one discussions with the coach companies and now a public information campaign is underway to ensure passengers are aware of the upcoming changes. 

 

The Project

Does this project only affect MacCurtain Street?

No. MacCurtain Street is a core thoroughfare for improved public transport services but the overall project covers a wide area across the city covers a wide area across the city centre . It extends from Cathedral Walk (Brewery Corner) along N20 over Christy Ring Bridge. It takes in Leitrim Street and across to Wellington Road . It extends from outside the Opera House along Lavitt’s Quay, Merchant’s Quay, past the bus station onto Anderson Quay, back up Brian Boru Street to include bottom of Summerhill ( junction at old Colosseum ).  It also takes in all of the surrounding streets and quays including but not limited to Coburg Street, MacCurtain Street, Bridge Street, St. Patrick’s and Camden Quays, Mulgrave Road, Lower Glanmire Road, Lower Oliver Plunkett Street and a section of Parnell Place (junction near the bus station).

Why are you making these changes to traffic?

Please refer to the Project Strategy and Benefits sections of this webpage. The scheme allows for more direct routing of traffic flows across the area. The removal of some of the traffic just passing through the Coburg Street and MacCurtain Street areas allows for the introduction of two way traffic to improve accessibility for those living, working and studying in the area. This also facilitates the introduction of buses in both directions and brings inbound buses closer to the schools in the vicinity.

The changes will not only improve the public realm, they will deliver greater comfort and choice for walkers, cyclists, public transport users and motorists.

Do these changes consider sustainable transport?

Yes. Sustainable transport choices are a vital consideration when carrying out any improvements in Cork City. This Scheme will upgrade the traffic signals and introduce change traffic flow for greater efficiency, prioritise bus lanes to deliver a faster, reliable service. Improvements to public realm and provision of better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists will futureproof mobility in the city at this exciting time of growth and expansion.

How long do you expect this project to last?

Approximately 18 months. The main works will begin in towards the end of November and the scheme is expected to run until Autumn 2023. The work will be carried out in sections and the time scale in each area will vary depending on the nature and extent of the changes to be made. Please refer to the Current Works section for the latest updates on the works .

 

 Businesses and Residents

How are works programmed and will access for emergency services, etc. be maintained?

As part of the overall project management, weekly meetings will be held with traffic officers representing the Emergency Services and service providers such as the ESB,  Irish Water, Bord Gais Energies and various telecommunications companies.  This will ensure that all works are scheduled and coordinated and will allow the city to function properly.

Will access for local deliveries and bin collections services be maintained?

Yes. Before works commence in any given area, the project team will advise residents and businesses of any changes and will assist with notifying service providers if necessary. 

Will access to businesses be maintained during the works?

Yes. In advance of any activity, information will be circulated to all businesses within that  area and specific assistance will be offered to facilitate deliveries, customer service and business as normal.

Who should I contact for specific information on the works in my area?

The Current Works section of this website contains  all of the up to date information. Should you require any other detail then please email transportforcorkcity@corkcity.ie or ring Cork City Council Customer ServicesUnit on 021 492 4000.

Should you need to contact the main contractor, McGinty and O'Shea Ltd. can be contacted on 021 485 8900.

 Traffic Management

What road closures can we expect?

We do not anticipate any full road closures.  Lane restrictions will be a feature of the scheme and will be indicated in advance through the electronic signage on the approaches to the city, on traffic notices, social media alerts and on street signage, well advance of any such restrictions.

What protocols are in place to minimise traffic disruption?

The majority of works will be carried out in relatively short sections and will be self contained. 

Where construction is more obtrusive and in areas with high volumes of traffic such as Christy Ring Bridge, night-time works will be considered.

All works will be coordinated and scheduled in line with other works being carried out concurrently in the city.

How will you advise people of any changes to the traffic arrangements?

A full public information campaign will be activated to ensure the travelling public are aware of any changes made both during the construction phase and once sections of work are completed and permanent changes come into effect. 

You can keep up to date via the Cork City Now App, the Transport For Cork City website will carry specific project updates and local radio stations Cork’s RED FM and 96FM will carry traffic updates as well as specific project notices.

 Site Management

What is the nature of the works that will be carried out?

In most cases changes will be made to traffic lanes, pavements and bus stops. While this will require construction work at a surface level, there will be no deep excavations.   Road resurfacing, line painting and changes to traffic signalling will be a feature too.