The public consultation phase two maps on Bus Connects have now been published by the National Transport Authority (NTA). It is my understanding that affected local residents have received letters from the NTA.

My sincere thanks to all those who made submissions and especially to the wider Boreenmanna Road residents group, who liased with the NTA a number of times voicing not only concerns but also viable alternatives.

The upshot of the phase one consultation has led to a large number of changes, which in particular keep 95 per cent of the road’s tree line and remove the need for 95 per cent of proposed compulsory purchase orders.

The revised drawings have the following elements:

1. Majority of public trees retained.
2. CPO properties significantly reduced.
3. Staggered & dedicated bus lane in certain places along Boreenmanna road. Meaning, sections of the Boreenmanna Road have 1 bus lane in parts and 2 bus lanes in other sections. It is this way because it causes less damage to the area.
4. Ballinlough park untouched.
5. Bike lanes where feasible (both directions) are positioned on north side of the road.
6. Significant off-street parking lost due to bus lane and/or bike lanes.
7. Toucan crossing (pedestrian & cyclist shared crossing) located in multiple locations.
8. Bottom of Crab Lane large foot path to be reduced to facilitate some off street parking.
9. Rockboro school entrance to be changed to help reduce congestion.
10. Between Rockboro entrance and end of row of homes, there is expected to be dedicated off street parking.
11. Water works (by pitch & putt club) enclosed area is investigated for provision of car park spacing. This area for many years has been proposed by local residents as a community garden.

The full set of maps are available under the Mahon to City (bus corridor J) at www.busconnects/cork. Info can also be attained from the NTA at their open day meeting at Rochestown Park Hotel on Friday 21 April 10am-7pm.