Read about the part 8 here: Cork Docklands to City Centre Road Network Improvement Scheme | Cork City Council’s Online Consultation Portal

I’d also like to welcome this part 8.

The investment in a historic area such as Albert Road and Hibernian Buildings is very worthy.

It is an important part of the ecosystem of Docklands and I have always felt that it is not spoken about enough. Even within the narrative of Docklands future planning, the story and spirit of the area remains limited in its story telling.

The story of the Cork Improved Dwellings Company, a company made up of employers in our city, who from 1860s through to the 1890s invested in over 400 employee houses. Hibernian Buildings being in their second phase and being infused very early on by Lithuanian refugee Jews, who found themselves in Cork.

Hibernian Buildings and its surrounds became known for its close-knit community and in very recent years, the demographic change is very clear, with many new individuals, couples and families moving into the warren of houses.

Clearly with the number of submissions – 83 in all – on this part 8, there has been a renewal of expectation on this historic neighbourhood

The last public investment into the area was the creation of Shalom Park and the National Sculpture Park, both from 1989; and in recent years, the renewal of the park in Kennedy Park.

But it has been several years since Albert Road area has seen substantial investment.

The slowing down measures are welcome as are the new trees, the keeping of the grotto.

The removal of the residential access link between Eastville and Kingston Avenue is welcome.

There is a welcome commitment to look at the lack of safety at Kennedy Quay and Victoria Road junction and the general pedestrian crossings in the area, Plus high quality landscaping

There are still larger issues that need to be tackled.

We need to grasp the nettle and to move large trucks moving through the area out of these residential roads.

The foundations of these historic buildings are shallow and the fabric not as strong as other nineteenth century buildings in Cork.

So these buildings shake. There may be commissioned studies out there on the damage from the shakiness.

There are certainly resident’s who have collected data through taking photographs and videos.

My understanding as well that funding in still needed from the NTA for this part 8. We need to get this funding in place.

And to work very carefully with residents as this project is being rolled out.
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