Transport

Vehicular Traffic.

Provision and completion of an outer relief road is the top priority. The Carrigaline Area Transport Study recognises the need to provide an outer relief road for Carrigaline to allow through traffic to bypass the main street. Without completion of this, the town will continue to suffer serious traffic congestion.


A partially completed inner road (with river walk) is constructed to the west of the main street, running parallel to the river and to the Ballea road. It extends from the new soccer grounds, and terminates at a point where a proposed new bridge was to be constructed across the river linking to Kilmoney. This can be adapted for use as an entrance route to the river walk and linear park, with a footbridge allowing further access southwards across the park.

Bus Rapid Transit System.

Carrigaline is known as one of the most high profile “commuter towns” in Cork, so a top quality public transport service is a clear necessity. While a Luas style light rail system would be a preference, financially it is likely to be an unrealistic aspiration. However there is another option 

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is an innovative, high capacity and lower cost public transport solution which is a realistic and achievable option for Carrigaline. It uses high capacity specialised buses on existing roadways or dedicated lanes. It can provide quick and efficient transport, while also offering the flexibility to meet changing transport demand. It is a far less costly system than light rail (such as Luas in Dublin) and has a much shorter time frame to implement in comparison.

Bus Rapid Transit Vehicle

Typical features of a BRT system include:

• High frequency service (10‐15 minutes).
• Limited stops to improve speed.
• Attractive station/platform design with ticket machines amenities.
• Convenient park‐ride access.
• Low‐floor boarding and multiple access doors for easier and more rapid accessibility.
• Environmentally friendly running options such as Hybrid, Electric or Bio-Fuel
• Dedicated lanes in built up areas or areas of traffic congestion, on/off ramps and traffic signals.

BRT in Bath, England

Attractive Station/Platform Design

In the Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP), two Rapid Transit Routes have been provisionally devised. The first is an East-West Route running from Mahon to the Docklands, City Centre, Wilton, Bishopstown and Ballincollig. There is also a South-North Route designed to run from the Airport, to Black Ash, City Centre and Ballyvolane.

Current Public Transport Policy for Cork  (Replication from CASP - Click to Enlarge)

Carrigline is not currently included on any such route, which would essential if a Bus Rapid Transit System was ever to service our town. However with the capacity and demand which would be available for such a service, an alternative route, either extending from the Airport, or diverted to include the greater Douglas area,  can be lobbied for.