Two bridges to be built as city development continues
They are proposed for Water Street and the skew bridge — connecting the docklands to the Lower Glanmire Road.
They will be funded through investment from the public and private sectors and according to Cork city manager Joe Gavin there is no possibility that these will be toll bridges.
Speaking yesterday at an Irish Examiner-sponsored Cork Chamber business breakfast briefing in the Clarion Hotel, Mr Gavin said: “We have taken a policy decision that both bridges will be opening bridges to ensure that the maritime access to the heart of the city continues.
“Future maritime traffic, as the main port activities relocate, may be leisure related but it is considered important that the harbour — which adds so much to the heritage and character of Cork — is maintained intact.”
The plans for these bridges are included in the local area plan for the south docklands, which will be ready for publication next month.
Mr Gavin also did not rule out the possibility of a Luas line in Cork city but stressed that a bus network was believed to be more suitable for the area.
Meanwhile, in order to speed up the provision of an indoor events and conference centre, Cork City Council has offered to take an equity stake of 25% up to a maximum of €12 million in a conference centre, according to Mr Gavin.
He said: “The provision of an indoor events centre and conference centre with a capacity of 2,000, increasing to accommodate up to 5,000 for concerts is of critical importance to the city.”
The city council would like to see the facility located within three kilometres of the city centre, according to Mr Gavin and the closing date for submissions is June.
Meanwhile, the next areas to be addressed for development in Cork city are Cornmarket Street and Parnell Place.
The City Council has also assembled a large site adjacent to the Butter Museum and is exploring possibilities for a major visitor attraction.
