A map from Cork City Council showing the new traffic restrictions for Patrick's Street.

Afternoon ban on cars from Patrick's Street comes into effect next week

NEW traffic restrictions will come into effect on Patrick Street next Tuesday, banning access to the street for private cars between 3pm and 6.30pm daily.

Access will be limited to public transport, taxis, cyclists and emergency vehicles from Tuesday, March 27 onwards.

The change is part of the City Centre Movement Strategy, a multi-year project designed to transform the movement of pedestrians, public transport and private vehicles in the city.

One of the key elements of the plan is the prioritisation of bus lanes in the city centre, with the removal of other vehicles from Patrick Street designed to minimise delays on the busy shopping street.

The changes are being introduced during the Easter holiday period as there is less traffic on the roads at this time, according to a spokesperson for Cork City Council.

"All restrictions will be clearly sign posted and we would ask drivers to pay particular attention to these signs and to be patient with other road users as they adjust to the new layout," the spokesperson added.

The changes come after a lengthy process of consultation and discussion between City Hall and other stakeholders. Initial plans had sought to introduce the restrictions from midday daily, though concerns from traders resulted in a shorter window being agreed by Cork City Council.

After the changes, buses, taxis, emergency vehicles and cyclists will still be able to access Patrick Street at all times.

A section of Bowling Green Street will be made two-way on a permanent basis to facilitate access to apartments, but there will be no access to Patrick Street thereafter.

City Hall has issued the following advice for motorists:

Northbound traffic approaching from the South or West (Lough area, Wilton, Victoria Cross etc) via Dyke Parade or Wood Street should turn into Prospect Row before the Mercy Hospital.

Traffic approaching from Grand Parade will be diverted via Daunt Square and Cornmarket Street and on towards the quays.

There will be no access to St Patrick’s Street from Academy Street, so drivers have the option to turn into Emmet Place (towards Cork Opera House) or drive on into Drawbridge Street and Perry Street.

There will be no exit from Drawbridge Street onto Patrick Street, except for taxis, minibuses, emergency vehicles and cyclists.

Westbound traffic approaching from Merchant Quay should proceed along the quays to Grattan Street.

Cork City Council will shortly be preparing detailed design for the implementation of phases 3, 4 and 5 of the City Centre Movement Strategy which includes the areas of McCurtain Street, Coburg Street, Patrick’s Quay, Anderson’s Quay and Merchant’s Quay.

Public consultation will take place on this scheme later in the year once preliminary design proposals are available.

Members of the public can also register to get regular updates on traffic management for this and other projects on corkcitynow.ie.