The County Cork town of Carrigaline is set for a multi-million euro rejuvenation as part of a transformative public realm project.

Cork County Council has today commenced the Part 8 process for Phase 1A of the Carrigaline Transportation Public Realm Enhancement Plan (TPREP).

Funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) under Project Ireland 2040, the scheme will also deliver a high quality and reliable sustainable travel network throughout the town, while providing connectivity with surrounding destinations.

Carrigaline TPREP provides a framework for an integrated transport network for Carrigaline with the purpose of rejuvenating the town centre, enhancing cycle and pedestrian amenities for residents together with promoting connectivity by sustainable travel modes. Phase 1A is centered around public realm enhancements to Main Street as well as the Bridgemount pedestrian and cycle link. 

Welcoming the progress of the project, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Gillian Coughlan said: "Today marks an exciting day in the evolution of Carrigaline, with the beginning of significant, positive and transformational changes on the horizon for the people and businesses of the town. The proposed public realm enhancements and transportation changes to Main Street will be a catalyst for change across Carrigaline and will give Main Street back to the residents as a place to meet, to socialise and do business."

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This phase of the Plan will create a town centre accessible to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users and one which is not congested by vehicular traffic.  

Mayor Coughlan continued: "The implementation of Carrigaline TPREP will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, enhance the natural environment, give rise to a greening of the town centre using integrated sustainable urban drainage and enhanced biodiversity. More accessible routes, increased connectivity and improved wayfinding will also make Carrigaline a more inclusive space for its residents as well as visitors to the town."  

Proposals for Main Street include the provision of widened and continuous footways, improved walking and cycle infrastructure, new lighting, street furniture, rain gardens and pavement. Existing overhead wires will be moved underground, and street clutter will be removed or relocated, with the proposed works giving rise to dramatic changes to the streetscape of Main Street, making the town centre of Carrigaline a more attractive place to live, work, visit and do business. The delivery of Phase 1A of the Carrigaline TPREP will provide areas for outdoor dining outside cafes, bars and restaurants, creating new social spaces in the town centre.  

Driving speeds on Main Street will be reduced and more space will be repurposed for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users. Traffic management measures will reduce the dominance of vehicular traffic and bus priority measures will be introduced along Main Street, as the street is reconfigured.  Main Street will provide for pedestrian and cyclist priority with more space for shoppers and visitors, bringing increased vibrancy to the centre of Carrigaline.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey added: "With the launch of proposals to deliver Phase 1A of the Carrigaline TPREP for Carrigaline, Cork County Council, having secured funding from the National Transport Authority, is committed to investing in the future sustainable redevelopment and transformation of Carrigaline from the town centre outwards. These proposals provide an increased emphasis on active travel, improved connectivity and accessibility, the creation of a revitalised town centre and an enhanced sense of place, enabling the community in Carrigaline to reclaim the town centre as the heart and core of their town. The proposed public realm works and transportation changes will enhance existing retail and business opportunities along and in the vicinity of Main Street. The delivery of the Phase 1A proposals will also offer new opportunities for retail and business uses in the town centre, with consequential benefits for residents and visitors to Carrigaline."