Cllr Kieran McCarthy has welcomed the recent positive response to his question of the Director of Environment and Amenity of Cork City Council i.e. that there is now a timeline to have Marina Park, the public park to circulate the new Pairc Uí Chaoimh, in place and open by the end of 2018. The demolition of the existing Showgrounds buildings is currently out to tender with responses due back on 25 January 2017. A contract will then be awarded following the completion of the tender assessment process.

   Consultation with the Cork County Board design team is ongoing to ensure that the final stadium design will be seamlessly into the proposed Marina Park. The detailed design of the Marina Park will be progressed over the coming months with the tender for the construction of same issuing once the detailed design works are completed.

   Commenting Cllr McCarthy noted; “these are exciting times for the Blackrock and Marina area as public amenities are cleaned up, enhanced and developed. By the end of 2018, this part of the city will have impressive public realm spaces in the shape of Blackrock Pier, Marina Park and the new stadium. It’s important now that the Council projects are kept on track and funding put aside to progress them to successful conclusions”.