Resurfacing work to make the streets more pleasant for pedestrians is set to commence.
Work is to begin next week on permanently pedestrianising 17 city centre streets in Cork.
The streets were temporarily pedestrianised last summer as a means to facilitate social distancing and outdoor dining.
After this was met with a positive reaction, Cork City Council has agreed to now permanently pedestrianise them.
The council, and its contractors Lagan Asphalt Ltd, will begin resurfacing works on Caroline Street, Pembroke Street, Oliver Plunkett Street, Cook Street and Maylor Street on 12 April.
Depending on the weather, similar works are expected to begin on Paul Street, St. Peter and Paul’s Place, Little Ann Street and Little Cross Street on 19 April.
In a statement, Cork City Council said that on these dates, traders are encouraged to arrange deliveries for before 9.30am as once works begin, the streets will be inaccessible to vehicles.
However, it added that all of these streets will remain accessible to pedestrians to the “maximum extent possible”.
Discussing the announcement, Lord Mayor of Cork Joe Kavanagh said: “The Cork City spirit is nothing if not resilient – just over a century ago it faced down the devastation of the Burning of Cork and now we find ourselves again ready to rise from the ashes of Covid-19, with new and innovative ways of living, working and doing business, reimagining our city’s infrastructure.
Cork City Council’s Director of Operations David Joyce added: “The permanent pedestrianisation of these streets is a measure that accelerates our long-term vision for creating sustainable urban growth.
“All of these works being undertaken by Cork City Council are aimed at making the city a safe, inclusive and pleasant place for residents, shoppers and visitors and to support local business.”
Cork City Council will begin to implement the permanent pedestrianisation over the coming weeks.
For the full list of the streets and their new pedestrianised hours, visit Cork City Council’s website.
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