Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has written to Valerie O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City Council, to raise the impact that severe traffic congestion is having on the economy in Cork city and the surrounding region.
According to Ní Mhurchú, many local Cork businesses and constituents have been getting in touch with her office to complain about the gridlock that they face on a daily basis.
This comes after a global study by sat-nav company TomTom found Cork is more congested than London, Toronto or Rome.
According to Ní Mhurchú,
“One constituent said it recently took 90 minutes to get from Glanmire to Bishopstown and 105 minutes to go from Glanmire to CUH Wilton – outside of peak times. You would be quicker walking!”
Ní Mhurchú has backed calls for the introduction of new high tech traffic cameras that can manage traffic flows and catch motorists who are blocking yellow boxes and illegally use bus lanes. The Ireland South MEP has also called on Cork City Council to implement a new traffic management plan that includes the quick removal of cars after minor accidents.
Ní Mhurchú said that constituents who traverse the South Link Road every day have been telling her that minor accidents are not cleared in a timely manner, leading to long delays and severe traffic delays. Hundreds of cars were backed up on the South Ring Road on Saturday last as a vehicle caught fire near the exit to Douglas village.
Ní Mhurchú said that all options should be on the table including new smart junction technologies and more traffic policing and enforcement.
Ní Mhurchú has called on Cork City Council, and the Chief Executive Valerie O’Sullivan, to consider commissioning an expert report on the measures that can be taken to alleviate traffic congestion across the city.
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