Traffic Congestion in Douglas

I recently asked Council to set up a task force to specifically address the traffic congestion in the wider Douglas area and to seek solutions in the short and medium terms. I wanted the Task Force to comprise Gardai, Bus Eireann, Green Route Engineers and Council Traffic Engineers and to report back in two months.

It has been agreed that Official from the Traffic & Transportation Section who sits on the CASP (Cork Area Strategic Plan) Transportation Sub Committee which includes these stakeholders will review and report back to council.

Officials make the following points:

1′The congestion in question occurs at peak periods at school term and outside of these times it doesnt present a problem. – I believe (with traffic down 11% nationally because of job losses and economic downturn) the situation isnt as bad as it was but that doesnt mean we shouldn’t tackle it.
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2. Traffic congestion at peak traffic hours is an attribute of urban living in areas with a high dependency on the private car. This issue can be managed but cannot be eliminated in the short to medium term.

My view is it could be managed a lot better if the Dept of Transport took specific responsability for funding Bus shelters instead of a commercial entity funding them where there is a heavy footfall for their advertising.
Its very unfair to expect people to leave their cars at home when the alternative is to stand in the wind and rain risking life and limb in the ditch waiting for the next bus!!! (example Maryborough Hill)
Currently we are awaiting funding for the Carrigaline Green Route, upgrade local infrastructure, encourage School Walking Bus.

Constituents can be assured I will continue to highlight and pressurise for appropriate solution whether they are short, medium or long term.