Man’s 285-acre land gift to city in doubt

THE millionaire businessman who gifted 285-acres of prime development land to the people of Cork says he hopes the site will become a Phoenix Park of the south.

Speaking for the first time about his generous offer, Richard Wood, the 59-year-old chairman of concrete and gravel giant John A Wood Ltd, said using the land for horse riding, athletics meets, country walks, concerts and farmers markets were on his wish list.

“The pastoral character of the land would have to be maintained. As many activities as possible that are consistent with the land’s character should take place here,” he said.