Urban wildlife sanctuary at Beaumont Quarry threatened by BusConnects plans — Cork Nature Network

The area's ecological balance and ongoing conservations efforts could be harmed by bus infrastructure plans

A selection of the biodiversity at Beaumont Quarry — the area is also home to foxes, two bat species and wood mice. Pictures: Isobel Abbott / Cork Nature Network

A sanctuary for urban wildlife in Cork could be irreversibly harmed by BusConnects' proposed land use changes. 

Beaumont Quarry is an abandoned limestone quarry situated near Cork Constitution and Páirc Uí Rinn on the southside of Cork city — it serves as a recreational space and holds significant value for local biodiversity. 

Now proposals arising from the BusConnects consultation have raised concerns.  Cork Nature Network (CNN) is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2015 aiming to take a bottom-up approach to nature conservation. CNN is worried that the appropriation of parts of Beaumont Quarry for bus infrastructure will potentially impact the area's ecological balance and conservation efforts.

Beaumont Quarry — BusConnects concerns from Cork Nature Network

For the past nine years, CNN has collaborated with Cork City Council and local residents to preserve the Quarry.  The 2022-2027 management plan for the site focuses on the conservation of this unique calcareous grassland that hosts several rare plant species, and developing the former quarry for public recreation and education.

Surveys conducted by Cork Nature Network discovered 154 plant species, with the calcareous grassland habitat found on the limestone bedrock being especially noteworthy and home to species such as pale flax and the 'near-threatened' little robin. The site supports wildlife such as the red fox and wood mouse, and is an important foraging habitat for bat species.

Cork Nature Network: Beaumont Quarry map

Two bat species, the soprano and pipistrelle, roost in a nearby walled garden, highlighting the ecological importance of Beaumont Quarry under EU and Irish laws.

One BusConnects proposal under consideration involves developing a car park in this walled garden. And between 75 and 100 native trees, including oak, ash and holly, would be removed from the quarry says CNN.

Gill Weyman, CNN director and chairwoman, said: "The Cork City Climate Change consultation underscores the importance of urban green spaces in addressing climate change, as trees and grasslands act as carbon sinks. The proposed BusConnects plan also involves removing mature trees, causing notable disturbance to the quarry and habitat by eliminating trees and disrupting the surrounding environment.

“While we recognise the need for improvements in urban development and public transport, Cork Nature Network believes these should not come at the expense of important green spaces like Beaumont Quarry. The proposed changes could irreversibly harm the habitat that has been so diligently protected till now," added Ms Weyman.

Volunteers taking part in one of the regular clean ups of Beaumont Quarry in Ballintemple, organised by the Cork Nature Network. Picture: David Keane.

CNN noted that Beaumont Quarry is "not just a piece of land" — it's a living ecosystem integral to our city's biodiversity.

"The work done here, from our biodiversity action plan to educational outreach and management of invasive plant species, highlights the quarry's environmental and educational importance."

CNN has received funding from Cork City Council and from AXA to improve habitats in the site. They run regular clean-up events as well as nature walks and ecology workshops. The funding has also been used for trials of innovative means of controlling invasive species, such as the Billy Rent-a-Goat project. 

The BusConnects consultation deadline is December 18. CNN is urging local residents and communities to participate in the consultation process and express their views on the proposed land use changes. 

The route which impacts Beaumont Quarry is STC J – Mahon to City. CNN is asking that the proposals for this route be radically revised: "They must explore and should test every alternative to damaging biodiversity in Beaumont Quarry."