Cemeteries to become city parks
The representative body of the Church of Ireland formally handed over the two cemeteries behind St Anne’s Church in Shandon to the city council yesterday for amenity use.
Up to €250,000 will be spent transforming them into public spaces.
They are at the centre of an area which is being developed as one of Cork’s top cultural precincts.
The Shandon area has no amenity green spaces and these two new parks will provide a valuable resource for local residents, a council spokesman said.
“The new parks will also be a welcome retreat for visitors to the Shandon area and will be another significant point of interest in this important tourist and cultural area of the city,” he said.
Work on the two cemeteries has been underway for some time.
A council spokesman confirmed yesterday that works will be finished and the parks opened to the public within a few weeks.
They are situated on either side of Bob and Joan’s Walk.
The northern cemetery, which will be named St Anne’s Park has been substantially upgraded with paved pathways, seating and interpretative plaques.
The southern cemetery to the side of the late Jack Lynch’s former residence, will be named Dr Mary Hearn Park.
It will contain a remembrance garden, a small play area, pathways and seating.
Old headstones, some of which are up to 200 years old, have been moved to the side of St Anne’s.
The council spokesman said officials were very grateful to the Church of Ireland for transferring the cemeteries to the city for the benefit of the local community and visitors.
“The council wishes to assure the Church of Ireland congregation that the cemeteries will be managed to a high standard that will complement the environs of St Anne’s and be pleasing to local residents and visitors.”
It is understood they will be managed by the council’s parks department and will be open from about 10am to dusk.
