Cork City main streets to close in July for major pavement repair project

Among those in line for repair and restoration are the brickwork pedestrian crossings along St Patrick’s St, which were installed as part of the Beth Gali-designed streetscape revamp over two decades ago, and several crossings along the Grand Parade, which was upgraded in the same style some years later.

But the City Centre Pavement Restoration Scheme 2024 will also focus on the restoration of pavements and street furniture on St Patrick’s Street, Grand Parade and Daunt Square.

The works will include the replacement of the damaged pedestrian crossings with new granite paving, the replacement of damaged utility covers and frames on the roadway and footpaths, the replacement of damaged street furniture including bollards, bike stands, tree surrounds, signs and poles, raised seating; and the replacement of road surfacing and line markings, where required.

The city council said the restoration project aims to:

• restore the natural stone slabs at pedestrian crossings and other locations to improve the comfort and safety of pedestrians, cyclists and other users;
• ensure the attractiveness of the city centre for residents and visitors alike;
• and restore damaged street furniture, lining, signage and other features to assist all users of these city centre streets.

Contractors McGinty & O’Shea Ltd have been appointed to carry out the works during the summer months in the hope of keeping disruption to a minimum.

However, the city council has warned that traffic diversions and temporary traffic restrictions will be in place and disruption should be expected.

St Patrick’s Street will be closed northbound from July 1 to mid-August 2024 with a diversion via Grand Parade, South Mall, Parnell Place and Merchant’s Quay.

The Grand Parade will be closed to north- and westbound traffic from mid-August to mid-September 2024 with diversions via the South Mall, Parnell Place and the city quays.

Diversions will also be in place via Sullivan’s Quay, Proby’s Quay, Sharman Crawford Steet onto Washington Street.

The council said updates on the works and traffic diversions will be posted on its websitre, see www.corkcity.ie and on its social media channels on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram.

It is hoped that the works will be completed by mid-September 2024.

There has been sustained criticism of City Hall in recent months about the state of the damaged pedestrian crossings, about the defective surfaces and about the unsightly temporary patchwork repairs on the crossings and on areas of pavement across the city centre.