Carrigaline amenities ‘not keeping pace’ with plans for 5,000 new homes

Elected members warn recreational infrastructure must keep pace with major population and housing growth

Concerns raised over Carrigaline amenities amid plans for 5,000 homes. Picture: Dan Linehan

It has been described as “deeply worrying” that Co Cork’s largest town does not have the amenities required to support a projected 5,000 new homes.

Carrigaline is already lacking sufficient sporting facilities and amenity areas to accommodate its current population of approximately 20,000 people.

At a meeting of the local municipal district council, several councillors expressed concern about the pace of housing development and the lack of accompanying recreational infrastructure.

Fine Gael councillor Jack White described the situation as “deeply worrying”, particularly given that thousands more homes are expected to be built in the coming years.

He said the town is being “hemmed in” by housing developments, with little additional infrastructure to support a sustainable community.

Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick Donovan said the community park is “full to the brim” and that the town requires additional recreational space.

“It’s critical that we get more amenities and open spaces for people,” Fine Gael councillor Una McCarthy said. “It would be great if we could see some action on this now. We need to keep this on the agenda.”

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil councillor Audrey Buckley asked council officials to provide an update on the current status, timelines and anticipated completion dates for the development of the “circus field” in Carrigaline, which has been earmarked as a future amenity park.

Andy O’Brien, acting senior executive engineer for the municipal district, said senior council officials “are reviewing the proposals” and that he would update councillors once further information becomes available.

Planned streetscape upgrades around the town are expected to result in the loss of a number of parking spaces. Engineers said part of the circus field may be used as a car park to offset that loss.

Independent councillor Ben Dalton-O’Sullivan said Carrigaline should be provided with a sports complex, including a municipal swimming pool, to cater for its growing population.

Meanwhile, Ms Buckley asked council officials to examine the feasibility of developing a children's “Learn to Cycle” facility on council-owned land adjacent to the multi-use games area (MUGA) in Camden, Crosshaven.

She said she had recently visited Copenhagen in Denmark, where similar facilities are widely used to teach young children how to cycle safely.

Kieran Hennessy, executive engineer for roads, transportation and area services, said the council does not currently have a budget for such a project.

However, he said he would explore potential locations, along with possible funding opportunities, and update councillors on any progress.