Cork docklands public realm upgrade approved

South docklands public realm works approved after key changes were agreed — including the preservation of a cherished grotto

The April meeting of Cork City Council approved the multi-million euro ‘gateway public realm upgrade’ leading into Cork’s south docklands. File picture: Larry Cummins

A multi-million euro ‘gateway public realm upgrade’ leading into Cork City’s south docklands has been approved after key changes were agreed.

City councillors voted to grant Part 8 planning for the Cork docklands to city centre road network improvement scheme, paving the way for the first phase of the upgrades to start later this year.

The decision at the April meeting of the council last night comes six years after a legal challenge led to the scrapping of a similar docklands improvement scheme amid claims that its planning process was flawed, and amid concerns about the inclusion of elements of flood defence works and how they were initially advertised.

However, the decision to approve this new docklands to city road improvement scheme paves the way for the construction of new public transport, walking, and biking links, new landscaping and quayside parklets, and major improvements to the streetscape leading into the south docks area, where development worth hundreds of millions of euro is underway on sites including the R&H Hall site and the former Ford’s distribution site.

It includes major changes along Albert Quay, Victoria Rd, Marina Terrace, and all the laneways in and around the residential area known locally as Jew Town.

The area is the main gateway to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the Marina Market, Marina Park, and Marina promenade.

The Cork South Docklands Residents Association raised concerns about elements of the scheme, including a proposed new through road through a narrow cul de sac, and potential impacts on a local grotto.

In a report to the council yesterday, councillors were told that several changes have been agreed.

Officials agreed to drop the proposed residential access link, or through road, connecting Marina Terrace to Rosefield Terrace and Kingston Avenue.

They also said they recognise the importance of the grotto to the community and there is no intention of modifying the grotto itself.

“The design team includes landscape designers who are aware of the need to design the area with the use of the grotto as a key element, incorporating lighting, planting, seating, and a dwarf wall for safety from traffic,” the report said.

“Council will engage with [the Cork South Docklands Residents Association] during the detailed design phase to ensure the ongoing use of the grotto is protected.”

Officials have agreed to retain an exit from Kennedy Quay to Victoria Rd to facilitate the ongoing interim operations of the Port of Cork, along with other minor changes.