Pedestrianisation 'life saver' for Market Lane Restaurant Group

Pedestrianisation 'life saver' for Market Lane Restaurant Group

While Cork’s Princess Street’s gains from pedestrianisation have been well documented, many traders on the inner city’s Oliver Plunkett Street also regard the move by Cork City Council as a ‘life saver’.

Tracey Sweeney, co-owner of the Market Lane Group, which operates three restaurants on the street says "With the addition of permanent outdoor seating along the spine of Oliver Plunkett Street we've been able to regain 30% of the covers we had pre-covid, albeit when the weather is accommodating.  This not only helps us recover as a business, but creates new, exciting opportunities, particularly for smaller traders on the street, that simply didn’t exist before.  It really helps us future proof our businesses, as we think that the move to outdoor dining is becoming more and more important to cater to.” 

As well as its mothership, Market Lane Restaurant, the group has Goldie and Elbow Lane restaurants on Oliver Plunkett Street. Pedestrianisation has allowed the group to establish covered, outdoor seating areas outside the restaurants.  In addition, due to the support of non-hospitality businesses, restaurants have been able to use the foothpaths and loading bays outside other shops on the street when they are closed for business, which has been invaluable.

Lisa Grainger of the up-market Olori boutique, one such business, feels that the efforts made by hospitality operators to jazz up the area really adds to the 'city experience' and creates a huge buzz on the street.  “This ultimately benefits everyone,” she says.

Tracey Sweeney

“This generosity has also bound us together as a neighbourhood” continues Sweeney, “which uniquely consists of mostly independently-owned businesses. There is a palpable sense of hope and enthusiasm amongst traders that with enhanced pedestrianisation, Oliver Plunkett St will continue to be a real destination for locals and tourists alike.  This is a huge bonus for the inner city.”

This enthusiasm has been heightened by the recent announcement that Cork City Council have gone out to tender for the development of the adjoining Beasley Street, one of the few fully cobbled streets left in Cork city. Plans for the quarter now include a music and literary stage, food trucks and stalls, vegetable and herb plots, and much more.

press release