Cork BusConnects Plan to turn 18th-century walled garden into car park still on table

The news has angered residents in Beaumont, who are campaigning for the development of a community garden in the old walled garden

Local residents Maria Young, Denise Cahill, Jim Ahern, Stephen Wills, Catherine Chaloner, Sean Coakley, Geraldine O'Sullivan, Geri Gleeson and Jo Goodyear at the entrance to the walled garden next to the Ballinlough Pitch & Putt Club and walkway to Beaumont School. Picture: Dan Linehan

A contentious proposal to turn an 18th-century walled garden into a car park for BusConnects Cork is still being considered despite not being included on the latest draft maps published for public consultation.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has admitted that its initial proposal for the car park in the historic garden next to Ballinlough pitch and putt club is still on the table as part of its draft route plans for the strategic transport corridor (STC) J Mahon to city route – one of 11 STCs planned across the city.