A €6m streetscaping scheme has been completed in Cork city.

The Grand Parade Streetscape Renewal Project, designed by Spanish architect Beth Gali, was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Cork Brian Bermingham.

The project is part of the city centre's street renewal programme, undertaken by Cork City Council's Roads and Transporation Directorate over the last 10 years.

Lord Mayor Bermingham thanked the business community for their patience and those involved in the delivery of council's vision for the city.

"This was achieved with a great deal of planning, organization and most importantly patience from both the general public and particularly the businesses here on Grand Parade who endured significant inconvenience for the duration of the works.

"Nothing worth doing or having can be achieved easily but the re-birth of Sráid an Chapaill Bhuí, the Grand Parade, is now a central focus which is an intrinsic part of the City Council's strategy to make the city centre more pedestrian and shopping friendly and part of a greater plan to re-invigorate the city," said Mr Bermingham.

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Assistant City Manager and Director of Services, Roads & Transportation, Dan Buggy said: "This official opening is the culmination of many years work, from its inception, through public consultation, planning, design, tendering and construction.

"The finished result however more than justifies the efforts involved in achieving it. We now have a street and public space in which the people of Cork can be justifiably proud."

The vision of the project involved the creation of large open pedestrian spaces.

The work included extensive natural stone paving and delineated traffic areas together with surface water drainage, service ducting and chambers, installation of custom design street furniture, tree planting and other urban design features.

The Grand Parade Fountain was relocated stone by stone and restored as part of the works. Three kiosks have been constructed and are currently in the process of being leased.

A new fully automated public toilet has also been included in the scheme.

The main carriageway was reduced to two vehicle lanes, one in either direction with an additional turning lane introduced for accessing Washington Street.

Two service lanes, one on either side, were provided for buses, taxis, loading and unloading.

Pedestrian crossings and traffic controls were also included in the scope of works.

Rationalisation of existing underground services and installation of additional services was carried out in conjunction with utility companies during the progress of works.

(PR/JM)