Showdown over future of Cork fairground

A SHOWDOWN is looming over city plans to acquire the prime 22-acre Showgrounds site in Cork’s docklands.

The 164-year-old Munster Agricultural Society, which leases the site long-term from the city council, has expressed its concerns over the council’s plans to buy it under a compulsory purchase order (CPO).

It is also expected to strongly contest the move.

“We firmly believe that to lose the Showgrounds would be the same as Dublin losing its RDS, or the closure of the English Market in Cork city,” the society’s trustees have said in a letter to city manager Joe Gavin.

“In any mainland European city, an interface between city and county, such as Cork Showgrounds, would be nurtured and financially support by the city authority.

“This support is required more than ever.”

The society said it is deeply concerned that the CPO notice will prevent its progress into the future.

Mr Gavin issued the CPO order in June. He said the bold move was taken to secure the development of what he said was an under-utilised site.

The CPO was issued after two years of negotiations between the city and the society failed to secure agreement on the development of the site, he said.

If successful, the move could also pave the way for a multi-million revamp of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Councillors have backed the initiative and said the Showgrounds lies idle for much of the year and is run-down.

However, Mr Gavin has said the society’s activities will be accommodated within the planned new park.

He also told councillors that he is more than willing to meet with society representatives to discuss the plans.

But the society has written to Mr Gavin outlining how busy it was last year and emphasising its contribution to the city since its establishment in 1842.

Apart from the annual show, the Showgrounds operated for over 90 days in 2005. Funderland, circus acts, animal farm and the Live at the Marquee concert series were all staged at the Showgrounds.

Over 150,000 people attended those events — a fifth of Cork’s population, the society said.

“This is a clear indication of the society’s successful role in continuing to provide an outlet fro agricultural and cultural needs of both Cork city and county,” the letter said.

The society also provides St John’s Central College with a facility for classes in a variety of subjects and also caters for arts groups, set construction for the Opera House, Everyman Theatre and film groups.

The current site represents the best possible outcome for all parties and “the proper development of the Showgrounds is crucial to the cultural future of our city,” the society said.