UCC to resubmit plans for outreach centre

UCC bosses are to resubmit plans for a multi-million euro 200-student outreach centre at the Mardyke, despite their shock at having the project turned down by An Bord Pleanála.

A spokesman for the university said the decision came as quite a surprise, especially as the board of An Bord Pleanála had overturned its inspector’s report, which had been in favour of the project.

Cork County Cricket Club, whose grounds are adjacent to the proposed centre, were the only objectors.

“It did come as a big surprise, especially as the city council had also recommended it. There was a lot of consultation and we met the cricket club. A lot of work went into addressing any potential issues,” said the spokesman.

He confirmed that the university was examining alternative plans but wasn’t sure exactly when they would be submitted to Cork City Council.

UCC had proposed to build a 1,675sq metre, two -storey building at the scenic Mardyke Walk. The plan included lecture theatres, seminar rooms, research areas, and a café which would have been open to the public.

The university spokesman said administration staff would not have been housed in the block.

“We hope to get permission for some kind of alternative (building). The Department of Education place great importance in outreach, it’s all to do with more inclusive education. Outreach is central to what the university does,” said the spokesman.

The board of An Bord Pleanála refused permission because they said the development was too large and would cause visual intrusion and thus would contravene objectives set out in the Cork City Development Plan (2004).

The cricket club has claimed UCC has an ample landbank to it and could relocate the project.

However, the UCC spokesman said the Mardyke Walk was the most suitable location for the outreach centre.