Gates erected to prevent 'anti-social behaviour' on site earmarked for housing in Cork's northside

The Land Development Agency (LDA) said it 'has taken proactive steps' to secure the site at Murphy’s Rock

One of the gates preventing public access to Murphy's Rock.

The Land Development Agency (LDA) has installed several gates to cut off public access to an area in Cork's northside earmarked for thousands of new homes in the future, following several instances of anti-social behaviour.

An LDA spokesperson said it “has taken proactive steps" to secure the site at Murphy’s Rock after it acquired the lands from the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) earlier this year.

It cited "unauthorised activities, including the placement of horses and the use of scrambler motorcycles" for shutting the area off from the public.

Concerns have been expressed about the welfare of the horses, damage to adjoining properties, noise and anti-social behaviour, activities the LDA say “give rise to significant health and safety concerns”.

The spokesperson continued: “The Kilbarry lands are not currently suitable for unrestricted public access owing to challenging ground conditions and topography. There are no formal access routes, pathways or supporting infrastructure within the site,” they said.

They added that the LDA intends to bring forward proposals for public consultation early next year, which will include “meaningful engagement and consultation” with locals.

As well as up to 4,000 homes, “the proposals will include formalised public access and a park along the western end of the site". 

They will also provide wider public open space, play areas, recreational facilities and wider community infrastructure, the spokesperson said.

Joan Lewis, who lives in the area, said that though many entrances had been blocked off with large gates, the green area could still be accessed from other spots.

Trish O’Mahony, another local advocate, said they had “huge concerns” that the access would be completely taken away.

“People are walking here hundreds of years; I know the LDA own the land now, but it’s not developed,” she said.

They said they are concerned about the impact of the housing plans on the wide array of wildlife, and expressed concern that the promised LDA park facility would be “overdeveloped” compared to the area’s current natural state.

Trish O'Mahony (left) and Joan Lewis (right) at the Murphy's Rock site. 'People are walking here hundreds of years.'

Green Party councillor Oliver Moran, to whom the LDA statement was provided, said the community is clear on a vision of a “wilder place” which safeguards access to the riverside and the ecology.

"The North East ward, and the Ballyvolane, Banduff, Dublin Hill area in particular is carrying the city in terms of zoned land. Half of the residential zoned land in the city is in this ward.

“That can't be without meaningful amenity spaces, and access to nature and play.”