Blueprint to help Mallow deal with major growth

A 20-YEAR development blueprint for Mallow, which includes major rezoning, will go on public display from December 4.

The Mallow Special Local Area Plan (SLAP) has been prepared in line with the Government’s National Spatial Strategy, which designated Mallow as a “hub town” where major development will take place in the coming years.

Tim Lucey, assistant county manager with responsibility for the north Cork region, said the plan aims to equip Mallow to cope with a population of 30,000 in the next 15 to 20 years.

Mr Lucey said the plan included a new bridge across the River Blackwater, significantly increasing housing, developing southern link roads, creating industrial parks and the possibility of a third level institution.

The county council recently purchased 13 acres of land on the south side of the town, which will be earmarked for commercial and industrial development.

Large tracts of land are earmarked for the creation of an additional 9,600 homes. At present housing density in the town is 23 per hectare but this will be increased to 30 or 35.

The council intends to zone enough land in the Mallow area for industrial use to create 10,000 jobs. Its officials are also looking at creating a 50-acre technology park.

The plan is to go on public display on December 4 for six weeks. The public consultation period will end on January 15.

The plan will be available to purchase from the Planning Policy Unit, Floor 13, County Hall, Cork, and the Town Council Office in Mallow. It can also be viewed on the council’s website www.corkcoco.ie and Mallow Town Council’s website, www.mallow.ie, where online submissions can be made.

“There will be a public exhibition held in the Hibernian Hotel in Mallow on 13 December when presentation on the plan will be made,” Mr Lucey said.