Planning graduates praised for area regeneration plan

Two UCC planning graduates have been hailed for transforming what began as a research project into a “grassroots-led” regeneration plan for MacCurtain St in Cork City.

The work has also led to Clara O’Neill, 28, from Midleton, Co Cork, and Roisín Butler, 26, from Tralee, Co Kerry, who graduated from the master’s in planning course last year, establishing their own planning consultancy.

After graduation, they took up JobBridge positions conducting research for the UCC Centre for Planning, Education and Research. They also began working in a private capacity on days off with MacCurtain St traders.