Decision day on two contentious land deals

TWO local authority land deals for controversial private housing projects, which could boost city coffers by almost €7 million, could be blocked tonight.

Councillors in Cork city are set to discuss the disposal to developers of two council-owned sites on the city’s northside at a special committee meeting tonight called after councillors voiced concerns about the projects’ density and design.

The plans have been approved under a Part 8 process but the disposals must be cleared tonight before building work can start.

City manager Joe Gavin wants council to consider the disposal of 7,940 square metres at the Chapel Field in Gurranabraher, behind the Church of the Ascension, to Pat McSweeney of Deermount Construction for €3.1m. The company plans to build homes and apartments for private sale.

Mr Gavin also wants councillors to consider the disposal of 9,458 sq m at Bantry Park Road, also in Gurranabraher, to John F Supple and Montgomery Partnership for €3.7m.

That company plans to build up to 60 duplexes on the site - again for private sale. But a number of southside councillors have serious concerns.

Cllr Denis Cregan said both sites offer a golden opportunity to enhance this part of the northside.

“I feel that these developments are not doing enough to do that,” he said.

He said the builders were simply building more flats on the northside.

It is also understood that other developers who pitched more money for the sites with lower density housing plans, were unsuccessful. The city will rake in more money in development charges the more housing units built.

Other councillors said they have concerns about procedures followed during the Part 8 process.

Fianna Fáil councillor Seán Martin said: “The Part 8 application never came before any committee and was brought straight to council. There needs to be more transparency on the issue.”

Councillors will discuss the disposals at a private committee meeting before deciding their fate at a full public council meeting afterwards.

Both projects, which are earmarked for derelict green spaces, have been over three years in development.

Meanwhile, the council has completed the purchase of just over 35 acres of land to the rear of the Anglers’ Rest pub in Carrigrohane.

Mr Gavin will outline tonight his officials’ plans to develop sports pitches on the site.

“Cork City football club is in need of training grounds and this need could be met on these lands,” he said.