St Luke's: Cork's blooming northside neighbourhood sets an example

From dereliction in the '80s and '90s to a trendy neighbourhood that could be a model as Cork’s 15-minute city, Ellie O’Byrne asks: Is St Luke’s getting city planning right?

Hugh Lorigan worries St Luke’s Cross is becoming gentrified at the expense of artists who are being priced out of the community. Picture: Chani Anderson

Hugh and Deirdre Lorigan are at home on a weekday evening, heating up dinner and generally settling in for the night. Deirdre has cycled home to St Luke’s from the west side of the city on her electric bike. Their home is cosy and tasteful, with sanded wood floors and a first-floor living room with views of the city to the south.

It wasn’t always like this.