Council rules out challenge to retail planning decision

Cork City Council has ruled out a costly High Court challenge to a Bord Pleanála decision sanctioning a local retail centre in the western suburbs after getting legal advice that it would not be a prudent use of public funds.

City manager Tim Lucey told councillors last night that a judicial review could cost at least €270,000, and circumstances could arise where individual councillors could be exposed to legal costs.

He said a possible local centre is indicated on the city development plan close to Melbourne Business Park, where the new retail centre is to be built.