Cork Freemasons building will open to public more after extension approval

Vote by city councillors will allow the building to be used for more cultural and educational events, Freemasons say

Seven councillors voted against the proposal to extend the Freemasons' building on Tuckey St on to a section of Bishop Lucey Park, citing concerns about the loss of public open space. Picture: Denis Minihane

The Freemasons plan to open their historic Cork City centre building to the public more often after being cleared to build an extension on a section of a city park to facilitate improved access.

David J Butler, the society’s provincial librarian and archivist in Munster, confirmed the plan following Monday’s vote by city councillors to approve a material contravention of the city development plan to facilitate the construction of a four-storey extension to the rear of the Tuckey St building, on a portion of Bishop Lucey Park, to accommodate a staircase and lift that will improve fire safety and universal access.