IMPROVED bus facilities are needed to keep Cork up to speed with tourism, according to Minister for European Affairs Dara Murphy.
Minister Murphy has written to Cork City Council’s Transportation Division requesting the development of modern coach facilities on Patrick’s Quay to cater for tourists, commuters and bus drivers.Mr Murphy said that the current set-up on the quay is unsuitable as coach use continues to increase.
Call for modern coach facilities to be set up on Patrick’s Quay.
Recent figures showed a 26% increase in coach tour use in Ireland, with 369,000 people using the medium in 2014. 75% of these visited Cork on their travels.
Mr Murphy said: “It is important that we create a good first impression for visitors travelling to our city, as well as catering for the needs of all regular Cork coach commuters travelling to Dublin and Galway who currently have to wait for their buses in the wind and rain.”
Currently, Patrick’s Quay is used by the hourly Aircoach services, with long queues regularly visible in the area, as well as numerous other private operators, such as Paddywagon Tours.
Mr Murphy said, “Patrick’s Quay has evolved into a busy coach transit area due to its close proximity to the city centre and nearby tourist office on Bridge Street.However, the lack of coach rest facilities for commuters and inadequate bus parking are causing congestion in the area and need to be urgently remedied.”
With tourism in the city increasing, Mr Murphy said it is imperative to invest in the necessary facilities to make Cork as appealing as possible to tourists.
“Visitor numbers are set to grow even further next year following the launch by Failte Ireland of the new Ireland’s Ancient East tourism initiative with a marketing drive to support tourism in Cork and the south. Therefore, it is important that Cork City Council invest in this new facility as a priority to showcase Cork in a positive way to tourists.”