Cork’s city manager has offered a staunch defence of the contentious Sky Garden project, saying criticism was “infuriating”.

The National Roads Authority has been slated after briefing Cork’s city councillors on contentious proposals to privatise the management of the Jack Lynch Tunnel.

A patch of waste ground is to be transformed into a green space for all to enjoy on Cork city’s northside as construction is finally set to begin on an innovative community garden.

TWO city officials were denied access to the Irish Sky Garden during a visit to Chelsea to see how public money was being spent.