Cork - BusConnects

hans aus dtschl · 07-01-2026 03:01PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124124173#Comment_124124173

Yep private property being built there. Looks to me like a missed opportunity, there won't be any promenade etc now. The best hope for a link between the castle and village is a filtered permeability solution. Probably at the castle corner itself. Even then it will likely face pushback from homeowners.

hans aus dtschl · 07-01-2026 03:25PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124124116#Comment_124124116

I believe they were playing around with different roundabout designs but couldn't get anything that was safe and resorted to signalisation. It's the right decision: unfortunately a messy junction with Hibernian buildings, Eastville, Kingston Ave etc. and this whole area is going to soon get a lot more traffic. At least this scheme is dealing with the Kennedy Quay corner which is currently a death trap.

I feel confident we'll see this junction upgraded again for Centre Park Road dualling and the Eastern Gateway bridge etc, so the roundabout couldn't realistically be retained and it might as well go now, so that they can properly manage the traffic flows as they grow.

On a related note I'd like to see dedicated cycle corridors down Marina Walk and the Monaghan Road dyke in the long-term rather than Centre Park Road and waterfront. Sgregate motorised and non-motorised traffic corridors, obviously, but also retain the waterfront for pure leisure. That's a level of traffic design that's above what we've seen to-date in Ireland (corridors for active travel not following leisure corridors or other modes).

And back on-thread, can anyone guess how buses might deal with the Eastern Gateway Bridge? How on earth do we deal with the split between "East" buses going to Kent Station Vs Centre Park Road? Double all of the "East" buses? Move Parnell Place bus station to Marina Walk and route all buses through there? Route all "East" buses down Centre Park road and give up on the low road? A "loop" of the low road and Horgan's quay, then out Centre Park Road, for every Eastbound bus?

DylanQuestion · 08-01-2026 12:15PM

My biggest concern with the Eastern Gateway Bridge is how it interfaces with The Marina itself. Right now, the Monohan Road extension will have a turning circle at the end of buses, effectively making it a cul-de-sac. I'm really not sure how they're get the road from there to Tivoli without having an ugly concrete wall supporting a dual carriageway road through the middle of The Marina.

Also, while we're talking about cycle lanes, they need to add cyclist only signage to Marquee Road and Victoria Road. Right now it isn't clear that Centre Park Road has an outbound cycle lane and Monhan Road has an inbound cycle lane. There should be a sign saying "City Centre-bound cyclists use Monohan Road or something". Because of it, there are a lot of cyclists on Centre Park Road (either in the road or using the cycle lane in the wrong direction), while Monohan Road's is barely used. I think that's because people just don't know it exists

bk · 07-02-2026 02:31PM

Looks like right hand validators have started to appear on buses in Cork. They are currently covered over, but the shape looks very different to the ones used in Dublin. Hopefully they are modern units and will have future compatibility with contactless payments.

p_haugh · 08-02-2026 06:10PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124214655#Comment_124214655

Looks to be the Indra validators which makes sense. Good to see that they're not simply going with the existing units and then having to replace them all again in a few years time!

https://www.reddit.com/r/cork/s/yavQiYNjNS

KrisW1001 · 09-02-2026 10:43AM

Actually, Cork would make a good pilot site for rolling out contactless card payments when the time comes: small enough to manage by hand, but busy enough to get proper real-world data from, plus it has multi-mode journeys (train/bus).

Aontachtoir · 09-02-2026 05:16PM

Good news on the NTA versus Council planning front - the NTA will be playing the same role in planning and delivering infrastructure in Cork as in the GDA. Legislation is being worked on to copy its role across to other cities from Dublin.

The bad news on this front - the legislation is nowhere close to being passed and until it is the NTA is legally unable to submit the BusConnects corridors for planning permission because we aren’t in the GDA.

The ugly news - either nobody anticipated this problem, or nobody did anything about it. Either way, permissions which were supposed to have gone in in mid-2024 are nowhere to be seen, and seem to have vanished from political sight.

As for the Marina and Docklands, I agree that they are great and the plans look lovely, but they seem to have sucked all the oxygen out of the room for the Council. I can’t imagine what the change would be like if they focused on Douglas or Wilton with the same intensity that they are focusing on the still mostly-empty Docklands.

Let’s prioritise the places where people already live, work, go to school, and sit in traffic for hours on their daily commute, rather than the places people drive to for a stroll or where there will be people living in several years’ time.

cgcsb · 09-02-2026 05:30PM

Just be careful what you wish for, NTA mismanagement has proven quite toxic in Dublin. We now have several 'changes' i.e. downgrades both in services and infrastructure projects(the later may even be illegal in at least one case) based on mere NTA whim with no clear or explainable benefit and zero public consultation (and of course public consultation with wholesale ignored feedback.

Aontachtoir · 09-02-2026 09:07PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124221030#Comment_124221030

Your point is fair and I accept it. The NTA is certainly no silver bullet. But if it is a choice between “downgraded but delivered” and “high standard but not delivered”, I will lean towards “delivered”. To take a specific example, it’s been nearly 10 years since the Cycle Network was published (set for completion by 2027). Aside from the (lovely but unconnected) path from Grange to the Tramore Valley Park, I really can’t think of any other significant infrastructure delivered by the Council in the last decade for cycling in the area between Rochestown and Ballincollig (although maybe I am forgetting something). If the NTA build something (anything) that lets me avoid commuting by car I will sing their praises.

To return to BusConnects - an email I received today from the project contact account states that the current plan is to start submitting for planning permission in Q2. The Southeast corridors will go in the second half of the year. Good news, but the last email I had from them in late 2024 confirmed that submission was nearly ready to go and would start in Q1 2025.

bk · 09-02-2026 10:36PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124221030#Comment_124221030

Ufff, you really have no idea how bad it is down in Cork and how much better Dublin is by comparison!

It is hard to describe just how crazy it was moving from Cork to Dublin and seeing what a functional public transport system looks like and you know what a low bar Dublin is, so you can only imagine how bad Cork is!

If you left it to the councillors down in Cork and local BE management they would happily rip up every meter of bus and cycle lane to give more space to cars!!

Every positive change in public transport in Cork in the last 15 years has been driven by the NTA. Keep in mind, it was the geniuses in BE management who decided to get rid of double decker buses and move to single decker! It was the NTA who undid this stupidity. The NTA forced RTPI on them which they fought tooth and nail because they know it would show that half the buses weren't running.

BTW Can I point out how the panic last year about so many buses in Cork not running because of insufficient drivers was incredibly funny to everyone living in Cork! That has been going on for decades in Cork and absolutely no surprise to anyone in Cork. Only now it is getting attention because the NTA have taken over the PSO license and are actually reviewing performance and RTPI data!

The NTA have replaced all the bus stops and bus shelters which were literally collapsing and falling over. And of course they licensed the private operators and gave us fantastic new services from the likes of Aircoach, Citylink and West Cork Connect.

No, the NTA aren't perfect, I've plenty of criticisms of them myself, but I have to give them a break, because boy do I know how much WORSE the alternative is.

bk · 09-02-2026 10:43PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124220984#Comment_124220984

I can guess exactly what happened here.

The NTA of course knew they don't have the power to submit BusConnects corridors outside the GDA, but instead they would work with the relevant local authorities to have them submit it.

However with the public consultations I suspect the NTA got to see what we all from Cork knew, that the councils have little interest in this and will water it all down to nothing if given a chance. That the cooncillors don't want to stand up to the NIMBY's, hell half the councillors are the NIMBY's themselves!

The NTA probably realise now that they need to have the same powers they have in the GDA, to just ignore the local councils and councillors and drive it through themselves. Otherwise nothing will be achieved.

Aontachtoir · 10-02-2026 03:25PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124221930#Comment_124221930

If that is really the chain of events (the NTA seizing control of the project from the Council) then I would be very curious to see if the final NTA-approved corridors restore any of the crucial elements which were watered down or removed entirely after previous rounds of “public consultation”.

I’m still disappointed about the retreat on the bridge over the Mangala in Douglas. That short bridge would have immediately transformed the traffic situation for Douglas, Donnybrook, Grange, and beyond. While that won’t come back any time soon (even though it is in CMATS and the Southern Distributor can’t go ahead without it) if they even decided to restore the plans for safe cycle infrastructure on the Douglas Road after Ardfallen I would be happy, or the active travel route opening up the Well Road, etc.

So many missed opportunities.

DylanQuestion · 12-02-2026 11:35PM

I've probably shared this before, but my dream Southern Distributor Road route would be something like:

Monastery Road, a new road to Moneygurney Road (cutting through the narrowest part of Garryduff Woods), M28 Carr's Hill Interchange, new road to Elm Hill, N27 Airport Road Roundabout, new road to Togher Road/Pouladuff Road junction, new road to N71

That connects the M28, N27 and N71 without having to go on the N40. It also provides a proper road network for the new parts of the city being built in already (Moneygurney, Castletreasure, Waterfall, Cooney's Lane, Leghanamore). Using the existing R610, R609 and R851, which are all probably close to if not already at capacity, seems ridiculous to me. They also have a lot of narrow parts which would be very difficult to widen to achieve the bus lane plans.

—

It's mindblowing to me that Bus Connects has been going on this long in Cork and only now they're even mentioning that the legislation needs changing. Just get it done already

Aontachtoir · 13-02-2026 01:15PM

While I am all in favour of a road along the lines you describe, that sounds more like an outer bypass than a distributor road. One of the main goals set out for the Southern Distributor in CMATS is to run an orbital bus from Rochestown to MTU on it, tying together the various radial routes. This would need to follow the route already laid out to be feasible. The one you propose would be fine for private cars but too remote for public transport.

To be fair, once the STC across Donnybrook and Grange is done, some of the heavy lifting for the SDR will be complete. The segment from Forge Hill to the Sarsfield Road will be greenfield. But they still have to face down the NIMBYs to build the Mangala Bridge and find some solution for the Rochestown Road.

And yes, the lack of urgency is hard to believe. This project could be mostly delivered before the end of the government and would transform the city. But they’re just sitting on it and draggggging it out.

Contrast with the Cork Luas project which has come out of nowhere and is allegedly going for planning this autumn after a second public consultation in the spring. As a reminder, the *third* public consultation for BusConnects took place in November 2023, there is no sign of planning documents being submitted.

Gazzler82 · 14-02-2026 06:50PM

there’s new bus stops up through greenfields and Flynns road in Ballincollig. Lots of markings in the footpaths out model farm road as well. I just assumed all related to bus connects?

Aontachtoir · 16-02-2026 11:47AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124236466#Comment_124236466

There is an ongoing bus stop renovation/upgrade program carried out by the Council, maybe it’s to do with that? It could be BusConnects too, and there have been works done around the city by the council supposedly as prep for BusConnects (like widening the bus slip at the Wilton Roundabout) but as there seems to be no sign of the new network and the corridors themselves are not even in planning yet this change may be unrelated.

Separately, a certain Labour councillor is leading a campaign to change the plan for the Douglas/Maryborough Hill corridor and “save the Fingerpost Roundabout,” according to a pamphlet I got through the door. Apparently better markings on the roundabout are all that’s needed to ensure bus priority and safety for cyclists, and maybe some signals that work at peak hours only.

Corkladddd!! · 16-02-2026 12:58PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124239985#Comment_124239985

This is frustrating as the individual is very good on most infrastructure items but this and the virtue signaling about the Ireland football match has me lowering my opinions of him. We've diluted the bus connects program enough already in Douglas (the area outside of city center in which it is most required) that we cannot let nostalgia for a sign be the reason we compromise.

DylanQuestion · 16-02-2026 01:14PM

As far as I know, it isn't the original sign, nor the original sign location. The old sign used to be closer to the pet shop, and the new one was installed in the 80s accompanying the creation of the roundabout. If anything, the new plans return the area to what it was like historically

All of the new bus stops are part of Bus Connects. Councillors share the info leaflet every few months with the list of locations, and it has Bus Connects branding. A lot have already been done, like Well Road Roundabout, Parnell Place, CUH, Mardyke Walk, Washington Street, etc, and some are still ongoing. I firmly believe the most important of these works is the contraflow bus lane on Anglesea Street. It's required for a large amount of the southside routes. Therefore, until we see construction start there, I don't expect many if any new routes (outside of random ones like the 31). Black Ash's upgrade is another good indicator of works starting

Aontachtoir · 16-02-2026 04:42PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124240207#Comment_124240207

Exactly. If it is a question of sentiment, put the Fingerpost in the new green space beside the junction. That’s closer to where it was and then it can actually feel like a part of the landscape, rather than being locked away in the middle of a roundabout. And also change the Maryborough arm it so it isn’t just pointing to the Douglas Golf Club.

What is this BusConnects newsletter? Can anyone sign up for it?

KrisW1001 · 16-02-2026 05:29PM

I for one hate that bloody sign- it has misled me more than once. But @DylanQuestion is right: it is not an ancient monument; it was moved once, it can be moved back.

Of all places around Cork, Douglas needs something to reduce the amount of private car traffic through it. It’s a depressing place to even walk around, let alone try to drive.

DylanQuestion · 16-02-2026 08:55PM

I would rename the Maryborough arm to Maryborough Hill. Not sure why we're advertising a private golf course

I don't believe the public can sign up the new newsletter, but here is an example of one. The councillors post it on their social medias every few months. The November update still has a few outstanding (like Infirmary Road soutbound, and a new stop by Douglas Garda Station), but a few have already been done. Well Road being the most notable. In my opinion, the new Well Road stops are crazy dangerous. They are nearly on the roundabout, and right before/after a pedestrian crossing. Cars overtaking the buses is going to be very dangerous. I would have moved

https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/first-sign-corks-busconnects-plan-32844324

p_haugh · 17-02-2026 09:04PM

Update on the rollout of the new validators:

https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41795117.html

jimbob955 · 17-02-2026 10:46PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124221653#Comment_124221653

You are 100% absolutely correct on Cork City council delivering very little, by way of "true" active travel corridors.

From the top of my head, anything in Ballincollig was completed by Cork County council before the city expansion. The north side has virtually no active travel. The wider Douglas area centers on some connections to Tramore Valley Park and up into Mangala park. Nothing in Togher/Ballyphehane. The curaheen greenway near MTU is a good one I suppose.

There just seems to be no ambition, plan or joined up thinking from Cork City council, to really connect places, connect population, schools, 3rd level and places of work.

Cork county council at least have a plan and will connect Glanmire east to Youghal eventually, that is proper foresight.

The other thing that pissed me off was the recent NTA AT funding last month, for Cork city council it centred around road building, Lehenaghmore, North Distributor road etc

I think you are right about the Marina. It is wonderful, looks amazing on a good day. But doesn't really connect anywhere and as you said has it sucked the life out of all other AT projects around the city. I guess in years to come when all the building is done there will be a lot living there though.

I would love if the City council completed the Lee to Sea greenway and also linked up some missing pieces.

Tramore Valley PARK to Kinsale road
Marina to city and Marina to Blackrock castle
Ballincollig to UCC
etc etc

So much potential, a lot of the network is already there, the just need to connect some missing pieces. I see very little ambition from Cork city councillors. depressing really

Aontachtoir · 18-02-2026 04:51PM

https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41795765.html

The Echo reporting on the slow-motion shambles that has Cork BusConnects waiting for a small change in legislation that has been on the cards apparently since last year. And waiting, and waiting, and waiting…

Apparently new expected submission dates are Q2 for the northern corridors and Q4 for the southern corridors. Anyone want to bet on whether those dates will be met?

DylanQuestion · 20-02-2026 12:58AM

https://secure.labour.ie/page/182645/data/1?locale=en-IE&fbclid=IwY2xjawQEgbJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEedeoB6OV6V_t-diiZvHcD1bOEG2m1X_MMXZPj4w7p8PLPZ6diM0tgDeZahGk_aem_jEMgfquywvY3m7sjAcUb8w

It's funny how the photo of the Fingerpost sign (not sure from when, but pre 2009 as that City Centre directional sign is gone now) is different to the current sign. It shows there's nothing historic about that exact sign or its placement

PixelCrafter · 20-02-2026 05:37PM

"The fingerpost not only served historically as a means for pointing travellers in the right direction, but also as a gallows and a meeting point for hunts"

It sounds charming…

Aontachtoir · 05-03-2026 11:58AM

Good news everyone! The government published its “Sustainable Mobility Policy Action Plan” for up to 2030 yesterday. The new timeframe for Cork BusConnects is that planning applications will be submitted in Q4 of this year (rather than Q1 2025 or whatever it was initially) and construction will START for the FIRST corridor in 2030.

Seven years from the third round of public consultation to just one of eleven corridors being started, in a best case scenario.

DylanQuestion · 05-03-2026 01:40PM

No rush at all to sort the DTA/NTA issue, either

LXFlyer · 05-03-2026 01:45PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124287354#Comment_124287354

Legislation is currently being drafted to give effect to that change - it has to go through the legislative process now. So that will likely finished by the autumn.

DylanQuestion · 05-03-2026 02:09PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124287366#Comment_124287366

This is the only reference in that doc. How can planning be submitted without it?

Cork - BusConnects

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