Give and take for GAA as Cork super-park plan unveiled

The GAA “didn’t get everything it wanted” by including its €67m revamp of Páirc Uí Chaoimh in the blueprint for a super-park for Cork, Cork’s city manager insisted last night.

Tim Lucey was speaking as city councillors finally signed off on releasing the draft Marina Park plan for public consultation. It sets out a vision for the development of a Phoenix Park-style amenity in the city’s docklands.

However, it also incorporates contentious GAA plans to refurbish Páirc Uí Chaoimh and develop a centre of excellence and an all-weather pitch on a portion of the former Showgrounds site.

Despite a broad welcome from most councillors, residents living near the stadium, who are blighted on big-game days, branded the public consultation process a “sham”.

The Ballintemple Area Residents Association vowed to continue its fight against a key part of the stadium project. Chairman Paddy Mulley said they are getting legal advice and are considering running local election candidates on the issue next year.

“We’re going to exhaust all avenues open to us,” said Mr Mulley

The plan was released for public feedback after several design issues were clarified. It now provides a “run-off” of 5m — not 2.5m, as was first proposed — at each side of the new pitch. It also provides a 13m separation space between the stadium and the all-weather pitch, which will be in public use when not needed for match days.

Several councillors raised concerns about parking and traffic management in the area.

However, Mr Lucey said a significant traffic impact assessment and mobility plan would be an essential part of any planning application that might be forthcoming in relation to the stadium revamp.

He also rejected claims that the GAA got “everything it wanted”. He said the GAA wanted a fully enclosed stadium and complex, which had not been achieved. He said a request for a 500-space car park had been rejected, and he said land for the centre of excellence, which the city acquired by compulsory purchase order, had not been sold to the GAA for “a pittance”.

The 6.2-acre site averages at €250,000 per acre when land values in the area are in the order of €90,000 per acre, said Mr Lucey.

Sinn Féin councillor Thomas Gould said: “At last, Cork will have a stadium to be proud of.”

The GAA is set to lodge a planning application for the stadium revamp.

Mr Lucey said he will take account of any submissions received over the next four weeks, before bringing a Part-8 planning proposal to council for the design and development of Phase 1 of Marina Park — the development of the former Showgrounds site.