Cork County Board decision on Páirc Uí Chaoimh planning due in a week

A decision on the Cork County Board’s planning application to redevelop Páirc Uí Chaoimh is expected within a week.

If given the green light, the board hope to commence work in the middle of this year on a €67 million project which would include a 45,000-seater stadium as well as an all-weather training pitch, which will form part of a centre of excellence.

There has been resistance to the application, however, as the proposed Marina Park development has had to be compromised. Cork City Council received 20 objections to the planning before the December 12 deadline.

Included among those objecting are city councillors Chris O’Leary, Des Cahill and Kieran McCarthy, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the Health & Safety Authority and the Cork Environmental Forum.

CAB Motor Group, which operates next to Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the Ballintemple Area Residents’ Association and a group known as Save Marina Park have also voiced reservations.

It is expected that construction would take between 26 and 30 months. During the building period, Páirc Uí Rinn will effectively become Cork’s primary county ground.

Should Cork and Kerry both reach this year’s Munster SFC final on July 6, Cork would have home advantage and the game would take place at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, with any demolition work postponed until after that date.