Cork docks revamp plan unveiled

A MULTI-BILLION euro blueprint to transform Cork’s south docks into a vibrant city quarter was unveiled in a blaze of publicity yesterday.

City manager Joe Gavin called on the public to engage and have their say in a process that will ultimately transform an area more than twice the size of the existing city.

He also confirmed that he expects two multi-million euro planning application within weeks — one for the strategic IAWS docks site — home to the city’s iconic grain silos, and the second for a site further west.

“The time has come to formalise proposals for targeted tax incentive supports from Government for the regeneration of Cork Docklands,” he said.

The IAWS site will be developed by their property subsidiary, Origin Enterprises.

Mr Gavin made his comments at the launch of the council’s draft South Docks Local Area Plan (LAP) for public consultation.

He said the council is urging people throughout the city to see the proposals and share in the development by having their say.

“This is a huge part of the future of our city and we are urging people to share their opinions by coming to the exhibition and then making their views known,” a council spokesperson said.

“The South Docks LAP covers an area that is more than twice the size of the city centre with the potential for 25,000 jobs and 20,000 residents.”

Included in the plan are at least four tower blocks, some up to 22 storeys high, three bridges over the River Lee, a light-rail system running from the Marina to the city centre — with the potential to extend to Mahon and Douglas, a sub-regional park and riverside walkway, schools, residential and shopping areas.

You can also view the plan on www.corkcity.ie/docklands, in any of the city’s public libraries or at the Docklands Directorate Office on Floor 2 of the City Hall each Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.