Air quality objectives and action themes
The council will commission a study on the potential for introducing Low Emission Zones / Clean Air Zones for air quality enhancement in the city. Introducing such zones (traffic free and free of potential air pollution emissions from vehicles and industry) can have a positive effect on air quality. The study will also examine the current application of Vehicle Restriction Zones (VRZ) in the city. The VRZs set out streets that are traffic free for a defined time period; thereby allowing for a greater level of pedestrianisation. The expansion of these areas across the city can play a significant role in reducing the volume of traffic. Working from Home Home or remote working is becoming increasingly popular; particularly with improvements in broadband speeds across the city area. In line with the Government’s recently published ‘Making Remote Work: National Remote Working Strategy’ (2021); Cork City Council has developed a working from home policy for its staff. An increase in employees working from home can help to reduce congestion and emissions associated with commuting to work. The City Council shall, with the assistance of staff members, generate a kilometre-saved calculation, which shall be used to determine the vehicle emissions reduced over a year. This data shall be reported annually as part of the Annual Air Quality Report. Travel Plan Developing Travel Plan information for the public offers transport options that are environmentally friendly. This system can offer huge benefits to tourists and visitors to the city. The use of low carbon/carbon neutral transport by locals and tourists will be encouraged through the development of a commuting transition plan for walk - cycle, walk/cycle - train/bus etc. to make change of modes more accessible, effective and attractive. Initiatives to work with public transport providers in offering discounts for public transport usage will also be investigated. The council will carry out regular Staff Travel to Work surveys to keep up-to-date with requirements, enabling the Council to target particular departments and sections where a change of travel mode is feasible. Theme Summary » Public Transport » Bus • Prioritise Park and Ride at Dunkettle and other designated locations. • Designate road areas as Priority Bus Corridors in line with the City Centre Movement Strategy and the Cork Bus Connects programme. • Prioritise bus-connects corridors and orbital routes. • New bus lanes to be provided at: Leitrim St., Cathedral Walk, Coburg St., Devonshire St., Bridge St., St. Patricks Bridge (MacCurtain Street Public Transport Improvement Scheme). » Rail • Work with Irish Rail to undertake a review of the suburban rail network to determine the level of upgrades and new stations required. • Work with Irish Rail to include Mallow town within the Leap Card discount range to promote commuting trips by rail. » Private Transport • Aim to reduce the volume of private vehicles on the city roads. • Phasing in of non-vehicular roads within the city centre. • Assign central roads within the city and Tivoli docklands solely for sustainable and active travel modes. » Freight and HGV • Commission a last mile Electric Vehicle Delivery study. • Investigate the feasibility of implementing a permit system for HGV access to the city centre. • Vehicle Restriction Zones • Carry out an examination of the current application of Vehicle Restriction Zones (VRZ) in the city.
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