Cork to welcome Slovenian Partners for Staff Exchange

On 28th and 29th August 2024, Cork will host a delegation from Slovenia as part of the EMBRACER Staff Exchange. Representatives from the Municipality of Ljutomer, Development Agency Sinergija, Development Foundation for Pomurje, and Municipality of Beltinci will join the Environmental Forum, Cork City Council and the Transport and Mobility Forum for a two-day exchange focused on sharing and advancing sustainable transport solutions and improving regional mobility. 

The exchange will commence at Cork City Hall, where the Slovenian delegation will be formally welcomed by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle. Frank Fitzgerald, Sustainable Travel & Road Safety for Cork City Council will present the Transport & Mobility Strategy for Cork. This session will provide an opportunity for delegates to engage with key stakeholders from Cork City Council and gain insights into the city’s strategic approach under the Cork City Development Plan 2022 - 2028. 

Following the City Hall briefing, the Cork Cycling Campaign will lead a bike tour along the picturesque Lee Greenway. This tour will showcase Cork’s cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, highlighting the city’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility. The tour will conclude at University College Cork, where visitors will meet with EMBRACER Regional Stakeholders, The Transport and Mobility Forum, a unique cross-sectoral group dedicated to the development of sustainable transport policy, services, and infrastructure.

After a networking lunch, Shane Mackey, Senior Executive Engineer, Cork City Council will guide the delegation through the MacCurtain Street Public Realm and Transport Improvement Scheme. This project is designed to support economic activity and enhance city centre access by significantly improving options for walking, cycling, and public transport.
The day will continue with a short cycle to Kent Station, a historic transport hub opened in 1893 that now serves as a key point for Intercity and commuter services. Cork’s Regional Manager, Stephen Hackett of Irish Rail will provide a tour of the station and discuss initiatives like the Cork Area Commuter Rail Project, which aims to expand train capacity, increase service frequency, and connect more underserved communities across the region. The day will conclude with a train journey to Midleton, where the delegation will depart to experience cycling on phase one of a new greenway, the first in Ireland to connect directly with rail services.

The second day of the exchange will focus on rural transport connectivity. David O’Brien, General Manager of TFI Local Link Cork will discuss innovative developments of bus services that connect rural communities across Ireland as part of the TFI Public Transport Network. Delegates will learn about the service’s flexible routes, which can be adjusted to accommodate door-to-door pickups, and its commitment to accessibility. The day will include a journey on the Local Link Cork service 253 from Kinsale to Clonakilty, allowing the Slovenian delegates to experience firsthand how these services are enhancing transport connectivity in rural Ireland.

This two-day Staff Exchange between Ireland and Slovenia offers a valuable opportunity for mutual learning and exchange, as partners and stakeholders come together to compare best practices and regional transport initiatives. This collaboration is anticipated to generate new insights and strategies under the aims of EMBRACER, further advancing sustainable transport solutions in both regions.