Fate of green ‘down to new owner’

THE man selling a housing estate’s green at the centre of a major community campaign said yesterday that its fate lies in the hands of any new owners.

Businessman John McCarthy made his comments as the people of Bishopscourt in Cork’s western suburbs stepped up their campaign to save their green from possible development.

Mr McCarthy put the green up for sale last month. Residents were shocked to learn that title to the green, which they have maintained and used for more than 40 years, was included in the title to the house.

They are concerned that developers could buy the site and apply for planning permission to build on it.

But Mr McCarthy spoke out yesterday on the controversy — as residents prepared to hold a major community picnic on the site on Sunday week.

“If someone wants to develop the green, then it’s up to them, whoever the new owner will be,” he said.

“It will then be up to Cork City Council to decide what happens.”