Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy Consultation June 2019
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Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy Consultation June 2019 Introduction The Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) is absolutely welcomed by Cork Chamber. It complements Ireland 2040 and the unique position of Cork within national strategic and capital planning as the fastest growing city region in Ireland. The delivery of transport infrastructure is a core priority of Cork Chamber members. In many respects, alongside the provision of accommodation, public and sustainable transport will be the defining enabler of the future prosperity and quality of life for the people of Cork. In equal measure, failure to deliver will be an acute inhibitor of progress. In this submission we set out the views of Cork Chamber which represents 1,200 members who together employ 100,000 people living, working, commuting and travelling in the metropolitan area. Statutory Basis & 2040 Alignment It is essential that this transformative strategy is placed on a firm statutory footing to ensure delivery, supported by transparent timelines and clear funding commitments. Due to the absolute alignment of Ireland 2040, and the opportunity to further endorse the statutory footing of Ireland 2040, as well as to ensure parity with other planning instruments and statutory plans (such as the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy and City & County development plans), it is essential that this step is taken, or the intent and delivery of CMATS could be undermined. Key recommendations/ Areas for further investigation: CMATS must be based on statutory footing. Cork Based Delivery In recognition of Cork’s positioning within Ireland 2040, we believe the establishment of a permanent National Transport Authority office in Cork is required to focus on the implementation of CMATS. Setting up a Cork based delivery office also sends an important signal of intent to people and business in Cork. Having viewed the technical and stakeholder-based complexity of deliveries of schemes such as Dublin Bus Connects, a dedicated Cork team will be nothing short of essential to the progress of this plan. It cannot be anything less than a priority area of focus and implementation for the NTA. Key recommendations/ Areas for further investigation: NTA office to be initiated in Cork. Flexibility in delivery and milestones It is essential that there is clarity within the specified project timeframes to 2026, 2031 and to 2040, to include a sequencing of the various projects within. This will provide a level of transparency and confidence in the overall strategy. Investment requires certainty and a schedule of project sequencing within the timeframes will engender confidence. 2 | P a g e Fundamentally, Cork Chamber disagrees with 2026 as being short term. As such, we believe there should be more available information around the activity over the next year to 2023 and include such breakdowns within each timeframe. For example, a sequencing of the priority bus routes and cycle routes that are due to be developed at the outset. It is critical that there are wins in the short term to garner long term support for the strategy and the overall vision for a transformation in how we commute and relate to public and sustainable transport across the Cork Metropolitan area. The current level of complexity in planning, funding and delivery of public infrastructure in Ireland is well documented and becoming an increasing source of concern for the business community. It is essential that the delivery of this strategy and the point of planning and design is always exemplary in public engagement and flexible in response where possible and appropriate. The retrofitting of modern transport requirement in any area is challenging in various respects but delivery must be the absolute focus. Opportunities do exist to enhance current infrastructure, for example the addition of the Kilbarry railway station will maximise the existing rail infrastructure, and permeability of the Blackpool area and its growing importance as an employment hub to commuters from North Cork, East Cork and City. The designation of Mallow as a commuter station would increase significantly the affordability of this option for commuters. There are opportunities and it is prudent that these be maximised. In this submission, we provide details and insights on specific modes and geographies in the plan. However, we must be clear on the overarching points relating to timelines and delivery. Key recommendations/ Areas for further investigation: 1. Investment requires certainty and a schedule of project sequencing within the timeframes will engender confidence. 2. There needs to be a balance to prioritise demand-based infrastructure priorities where there is the current demand and deficiencies in services and infrastructure. There should in tandem be the adoption of a plan led approach where there is approved planning and investment going ahead. This will alleviate potential for repeated disruption of traffic flows and communities where all infrastructure can be planned and developed in tandem. 3. The strategy roll out must secure quick wins with suggestions included on page 20. 4. Fundamentally, Cork Chamber disagrees with 2026 as being short term. As such we believe there should be more available information around the activity over the next year to 2023 and include such breakdowns within each timeframe. 5. The projected modal share figures (2040) seem quite low (e.g. cycling 2011: 1% >> 2040: 4%). A more specific modal share for the new Cork City area would be beneficial. We suggest that cycling targets for 2040 are included, rather than merely projections. 3 | P a g e 6. It is essential that the delivery of this strategy and the point of planning and design is always exemplary in engagement and flexible in response where possible and appropriate. 7. Three streams of work must begin immediately to ensure that the plan is delivered effectively and on time. i. Delivery of improvement in frequency, widening of commuting times, and improvement of service on existing assets. (ex. Commuter rail frequency improvement, commuter fare, bike scheme Leap integration) ii. Planning, design and implementation of assets currently not in existence but with relatively low outlay must begin immediately (ex. Cycle Lanes, bike scheme expansion, bus corridor to existing park and ride) iii. Planning, design, prioritisation and implementation of major assets currently not in existence must begin immediately (Example, new station stations, new park and rides, and light rail). Review and monitoring process With a very strong benefit to cost ratio of 2.48, the potential across Cork for a gear shift in how we commute and the supporting infrastructure and services to support a transition to sustainable and public modes of transport is clearly demonstrated. The ratio of 2.48 is most likely a conservative estimate and cannot fully predict for latent demand. We suggest that the cost benefit ratio is reviewed and monitored on an ongoing basis, and where the cost benefit ratio is achieved on a specific element of the strategy, this should be communicated to the public, engaging the Cork community with the successes. Using the example of the M50 now operating at traffic levels not expected until the mid-2020’s, it is essential that there is a level of flexibility within the strategy to be adaptable and where necessary plan led, to meet not only current demand but also where there is large scale planning development approved and so meeting this need proactively. Therefore, there needs to be flexibility to prioritise routes or projects to be brought forward to meet this need sooner. One could argue that the high cost benefit ratio for this strategy should result in funding being released towards CMATS ahead of other projects because of this positive return on taxpayers’ money Key recommendations/ Areas for further investigation: 1. The inclusion of a defined review and monitoring process will aid the delivery and agility of the strategy to meet demand and planned and approved development. 2. Continued review of the cost benefit ratio, and communication with the Cork community on milestones achieved. Ongoing public consultation Throughout the lifetime of the strategy to 2040, it is essential that there are public engagements scheduled to communicate the progress to date and the overall vision for the strategy. 4 | P a g e Key recommendations/ Areas for further investigation: Ongoing public engagement throughout the project to 2040 on the overall vision. Air quality and public transport fleet technologies The rollout of the transport strategy is an opportunity to be ambitious and support the development of Cork as a Living City. Cork has the scale to progress and be the dynamic embodiment of what a Living City can look like in an Irish context. A key component of developing a thriving and sustainable City is the provision of green spaces, planting, and the safeguarding of the environment and air quality for citizens. Here we have an opportunity to adopt technologies within our transport fleet that will greatly enhance and safeguard air quality as the city grows and develops. With over 20% of the Cork Metropolitan area yet to be developed and projected for by 2040, now is the opportunity to have this step change. Cork Chamber continues to advocate for the adoption of a biomethane public bus fleet for Cork. Biomethane is a low-carbon, methane-based transport fuel produced from anaerobic digestion giving effect to national waste policy, and the drive towards an efficient circular economy in converting waste to energy, while increasing domestic energy security, diversity and resilience. Biomethane as a fuel is particularly suitable to heavy vehicles such as buses and HGVs. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% while having particulate matter-free combustion, dramatically reduced NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions and few ozone promoters than Euro V diesel vehicles, biomethane represents a significant opportunity for utilisation across our public bus fleet.