Rail station key to city development
The strategic document, which is available for public consultation, outlines the objectives for the sustainable development and improvement of the city until 2015.
It earmarks the docklands, poised for a multi-billion-euro regeneration programme, the north Blackpool valley, Mahon, the Tramore Road area, and the Port of Cork docks site in Tivoli, for significant future development.
Two new rapid transit corridors linking Mahon to Bishopstown/Ballincollig via docklands and the city centre, taking in University College Cork, Cork University Hospital and Cork Institute of Technology, as well as a corridor linking planned new housing areas in Ballyvolane to the city centre and the airport, are planned.
District centres providing retail and other commercial and community services in Wilton, Douglas, Mahon Point, Blackpool, and Ballyvolane are also planned.
However, one of the most crucial elements of the plan will be securing the redevelopment of the Horgan’s Quay and Kent railway station precinct.
“The redevelopment of this area is one of the most crucial to the city as a whole and is a key element in the unlocking of the transportation strategy contained in Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) for the Metropolitan Area and hence the implementation of the overall development strategy,” the plan says.
The city centre also has capacity for further expansion in residential and tourism functions, particularly in the Shandon and South Parish areas, according to the plan.
The plan was prepared after consultation during which three key issues arose — traffic congestion and the need for increased public transport; the need for recreation and youth facilities; and the need to build residential communities and support services.
The plan will be available in public offices and libraries and on the internet at: corkcitydevelopmentplan.ie.
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