Category Archives: Ward Development

Kieran’s Submission, Pairc Ui Chaoimh Planning Proposal, 21/40374

August 20, 2021Kieran's Council Work, Uncategorized, Ward Developmentadmin

Next Thursday 26 August is the last day for public submissions to the Planning Directorate, City Hall on this proposal. My objections on the encroachment, via building a new car park onto the edge of the Atlantic Pond, are outlined below and have been acknowledged as received by the planning unit.

Public submissions may be made on any planning application by post and accompanied by the €20 fee. They may also be made via email to plansub@corkcity.ie and the submitter will be contacted by a member of Planning staff to take a card payment.

“Re: Planning Application at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork, 21/40374Dear Director,I write to make my concerns known regarding the planning proposal submitted above.There are parts of the proposal I support such as the GAA museum and cafe, but I have very large concerns on the car parking and on the Atlantic Pond intrusion. The car parking issue has never fully been resolved down by the Pairc.

Even at the most recent matches cars were still parked across immediate green spaces and in the new bicycle lanes on Centre Park Road and beyond. And the crowd at that match was smaller than usual because of COVID measures. A proper transport plan to and from the Pairc is needed. One cannot just keep building another carpark and hope that eliminates the problem. In addition for me providing another car park is not about enhancing the public realm. A car park brings many hazards plus does not add to what the new adjacent Marina Park is trying to do in terms of a very valuable green space or add to the new pedestrianisation areas such as The Marina.

The other principal issue I have is the construction and intrusion of a car park on the physical western bank of the Atlantic Pond. There are serious ecological concerns in pursuing the construction on the ‘edge’ of the pond. Another car park will destroy the ecology of that immediate area of the pond in particular, and have a knock-on effect on the whole pond. In addition, I feel the proposed playground to be provided is a tokenistic one at best.

Yours sincerely,_Cllr Kieran McCarthy

Cllr McCarthy: Consultation on Draft Cork City Development Plan Open, 31 July 2021

July 31, 2021Cork City Events, Cork History, Improve Your Life, Kieran's Council Work, Landscapes, S.E. Ward Local History, Uncategorized, Ward Development, Ward Eventsadmin

Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy is calling on residents, and communities in the south east of the city and beyond to have their say on the 2022-2028 draft Cork City Development Plan. The draft Cork City Development Plan, has recently been published and provides an overarching framework to help shape the transformation of the City over the next six years by supporting the creation of 20,000 homes and 31,000 jobs.

Cllr McCarthy noted: “Eight weeks of public consultation on the plan have just commenced and I encourage members of the public, community groups, representative organisations to make a submission to the draft plan before the closing date of 4 October. The draft plan can be viewed at www.corkcitydevelopmentplan.ie and the public can have their say on the Plan at https://consult.corkcity.ie/”

“There is some great ideas and opportunities within this draft blueprint for Cork as the city embarks upon an exciting phase of growth and change – with sustainability, quality of life, social inclusion, and climate resilience at the plan’s core. In particular the need to protect green spaces and create more in areas from Ballinlough to Douglas is essential”.

Cork City Council CE, Ann Doherty said: “This Plan is significant in many ways; not least it is the first local policy-based expression of the ambition for Cork contained in ‘Project Ireland 2040’ and the National Planning Framework. The Plan follows widespread listening and engagement with stakeholders in the first round of public consultation. The draft plan’s rationale is further informed by a suite of evidence-based studies on the various opportunities and challenges facing the city”.

Kieran’s Press, Bessboro Update, 19 July 2021

July 21, 2021Kieran's Council Work, Uncategorized, Ward Developmentadmin

19 July 2021, “This is great news; apart from a possible judicial review by the developer, the legal planning processes have now been gone through- it is clear that the potential of babies buried beneath parts of the grounds has seriously hindered future development; More and more the process is leading to the need for State intervention on the future of Bessborough and other Mother and Baby Home sites”, Independent Cork city councillor and historian Kieran McCarthy also welcomed ABP’s decision, Developers unsuccessful in their appeal of refusal for apartments at Bessborough site, Developers unsuccessful in their appeal of refusal for apartments at Bessborough site (echolive.ie)

Cllr McCarthy: Monahan Road Extension Project Open to Public Consultation, July 2021

July 19, 2021Kieran's Council Work, Ward Developmentadmin

Independent Cllr McCarthy wishes to remind residents and businesses in the vicinity of Monahan Road that Cork City Council’s Monahan Road Extension (MRE) project is now open to public consultation until 3 September.

Cllr McCarthy noted: “The new roadway will begin on Monahan Road, at the existing junction with the ‘Marquee Road’ where a new cross-roads junction will be formed. From there, the extension project will extend eastwards and pass to the northwest of Páirc Uí Chaoimh. At the eastern end of the proposal, the road levels will be elevated above existing ground level to connect to the future Eastern Gateway Bridge over the River Lee estuary. Approximately 400m of new four-lane two-way carriageway (two eastbound and two westbound) with central reservation, verges, cycle tracks and footpaths is proposed”.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development, including an Appropriate Assessment screening report and an Environmental Impact Assessment screening report are available to view by visiting https://consult.corkcity.ie.

Cllr McCarthy: Forward Planning Essential for Former ESB Marina Site, 1 July 2021

July 2, 2021Cork History, Improve Your Life, Kieran's Council Work, Landscapes, S.E. Ward Local History, Uncategorized, Ward Developmentadmin

Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy has welcomed discussion and forward planning on the decommissioned Marina power station in Cork city. “It was great to hear about formal confirmation this week that planning between the ESB, Cork City Council and the newly formed Land Development Agency in relation to possible future uses of the site is ongoing. For me the ESB site is one of four sites in South Docks, which have a lot of built and cultural heritage – the others being the old Ford Factory site, former Odlums Building and the R & H Hall grain silos. All four sites have been highly influential in the development of south docks historically plus also are iconic symbolic structures in the area. It would be a real pity to lose their presence in the future of south docks.

“I would like to see the future of South Docks with a mixture of old and new building stock, so that the area has a nuanced sense of place. For me as well, I would encourage any future development to work with the Council to create a riverside walk on the south docks, so that The Marina greenway would potentially lead and connect all the way into the city, and hence linking to walks just west of the city centre – all in all creating an iconic routeway all along the city’s River Lee sections with public health advantages, scenery and other uses in abundance”. concluded Cllr McCarthy.

Cllr McCarthy: New Native Saplings Planted on Blackrock Castle Walkway, Late June 2021

June 26, 2021Improve Your Life, Kieran's Council Work, Landscapes, S.E. Ward Local History, Uncategorized, Ward Development, Ward Eventsadmin

Cllr Kieran McCarthy has welcomed the sponsorship by Coillte of new native saplings at the Blackrock Castle Walkway. Cllr McCarthy remarked: “In total this year, up to 1,200 trees were planted by Cork City Council Operations (Parks) this year. Cork Chamber are sponsoring another 200 of the 1,200 native trees being planted this year and have committed to at least two more years of sponsorship at €3,000k per year. This is a very generous contribution as it assists with increasing tree cover throughout the City”.

Outgoing Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Joe Kavanagh said: “The Coillte trees planted are a representation of all primary and secondary schools in Cork City and speak to our past, present and future. The Lord Mayor’s Oak Tree Initiative 2021 symbolises the resilience, sustainability and growth synonymous with our schools”.

Coillte Supply Chain Manager, Dominic Joyce said: “Coillte is delighted to support such initiatives as they inspire future generations and increase awareness of the important role that trees play in mitigating climate change, improving habitats, increasing biodiversity and providing sustainable and renewable building materials. We are delighted to be associated with the Lord Mayor’s initiative to commemorate the independence struggle 100 years ago in this novel and environmentally friendly way”.

Saplings were also planted Glen River Park, Bridevalley Park, and the Curraheen Walkway. Plaques have been installed near the new trees and a QR code will direct people to the Cork City Council commemorations site, www.corkcitycommemorations.ie where further details of the initiative will appear.

Kieran’s Press, Cllr McCarthy: ‘A terrible precedent for the city’s historic buildings’, 30 May 2021,

May 31, 2021Cork History, Kieran's Council Work, S.E. Ward Local History, Uncategorized, Ward Developmentadmin

30 May 2021, “Mr McCarthy said it is a “really disappointing” decision and “there must be accountability for all involved.” On Twitter, he wrote: “There was no need for The Sextant to be knocked until plans were tied down fully”, A terrible precedent for the city’s historic buildings’ — plan to scrap apartments for offices criticised, ‘A terrible precedent for the city’s historic buildings’ — plan to scrap apartments for offices criticised (irishexaminer.com)

Cllr McCarthy: Marina Park Phase 1 Opening Delayed Until Late September 2021

May 29, 2021Improve Your Life, Kieran's Council Work, Landscapes, S.E. Ward Local History, Uncategorized, Ward Developmentadmin

In a recent reply to a question posed by Cllr Kieran McCarthy at the mid May City Council meeting, Cork City Council have noted revised the completion date of phase 1 of Marina Park. Due to Covid 19, delaying construction works, the completion date is now late August/early September this year. The revised opening date is late September/early October.

Cllr McCarthy noted: The phase one works comprise the construction of a new public car park at the Shandon Boat Club end of the Marina, as well as a new cycle lane and pedestrian walkway – these are all now completed. One can also see that the installation of perhaps the most eye-catching part of the project – a noticeable red steel pavilion on the site of, and replicating, the central hall of the former Munster Agricultural Showgrounds. The sides of the pavilion will not be enclosed, and there will be possibilities for coffee pods and outdoor seating and arts and crafts”.

“Another feature will include water jets for children to play in as well as the provision of public toilets. The public can now see the sunken lawn areas and the diversion of a watercourse, as well as new pathways – all of which are taking shape at present. The project is a e.10m investment into the area, of which nearly came from EU Urban Sustainable Funds, which are part of the EU’s structural funds and are a crucial source of funding for cities”, concluded Cllr McCarthy.

Cllr McCarthy: Enhanced Recreational Jewels in the Heart of Douglas Village Most Welcome

May 22, 2021Improve Your Life, Kieran's Council Work, Landscapes, Uncategorized, Ward Developmentadmin

Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy has welcomed the conclusion of the Douglas Flood Relief Scheme. “In the past two months, the contractor on the Douglas Flood Relief Scheme has substantially completed all construction works on the project. The remaining works consist of some minor snags, fence installations and completion of final landscaping works”.

“What has emerged are enhanced recreational jewels in the heart of Douglas Village with a larger focus on connecting The Mangala and Ballybrack Woods across to Douglas Community Park. The flood prevention measures, which have incorporated new seating and biodiversity areas and corridors, as well as creating a stronger visual element upon the adjacent stream are most welcome”.

“It has been great in the past few weeks to see people sitting out enjoying the new vistas and ultimately embracing an enhanced community space. Great credit is due to Cork City Council, Arup Engineering and to the OPW. It has been a long process over eight years from draft plans drawn up in connection with Cork County Council to implementation under Cork City Council’s watchful eye. In the past year, the advent of COVID also slowed down construction work, which required much patience by the people and businesses of Douglas”.

“There have also been status orange rainfall events in Cork, since the start of the year and the new flood defences in Douglas worked as expected and carried a huge volume of water through the village safely. From observations and experience on site it is believed that had the defences not been constructed, there would have been considerable flooding in the Ravensdale and Church Road area”, concluded Cllr McCarthy.

Kieran’s Question to CE and Motions, Cork City Council Meeting, 10 May 2021

May 10, 2021Kieran's Council Work, Uncategorized, Ward Developmentadmin

Question to CE:

To ask the CE for an update on the progress of Marina Park? (Cllr Kieran McCarthy)

Motions:

That the double yellow lines be returned to the corner of Park Hill and Skehard Road. Cars are parking on the corner making vehicles difficult to exit and enter with ease (Cllr Kieran McCarthy).

That the City Council and the ESB work on a joint programme of works to return the sub station on Caroline Street to an art gallery/ cultural space (Cllr Kieran McCarthy).

That appropriate trees be replanted at the Japanese Gardens, Ballinlough, following the recent cutting due to health and safety (Cllr Kieran McCarthy).

Cllr. Kieran McCarthy

Independent Councillor, Cork City Council