New planning glitch for Cork stadium re-development
Cork GAA chiefs were celebrating last month as they gained the majority approval of Cork City Council members for their ambitious plans for Páirc Uí Chaoimh, but they may now have to deal with new planning legislation to be introduced by the Minister for the Environment.
The new legislation means that either two-thirds or 75% of councillors will need to approve planning permission for the development because the new Pairc Uí Chaoimh development would necessitate a change to both the City Development and South Docklands Area Plans.
“We’ll have to look into this,” said Cork County Board chairman Jerry O’Sullivan yesterday. “We’ll discuss this development and see what it means for our plans.”
In the initial vote last month councillors voted 17-11 in favour of the Board’s plans for an upgraded 50,000-seater stadium in the area, as well as a centre of excellence which would include an all-weather pitch.
The all-weather pitch is at the centre of the disagreement between the GAA authorities and City Manager Joe Gavin, who opposes part of the GAA’s plan.
Gavin says the area which the GAA wants to turn into an all-weather pitch is a key part of the Council’s proposed public park.
The GAA’s argument is that they are seeking just over six acres out of 28 available, leaving approximately 22 acres left for a public park in the area.
The issue will not be raised until council meetings resume following the summer break.
Meanwhile, though Cork hurling manager Denis Walsh is sweating on the fitness of Sean Óg Ó hAilpín and Jerry O’Connor ahead of Saturday’s Munster SHC final replay against Waterford, the news of Niall McCarthy was better yesterday.
There were fears that the wing-forward had broken his finger in Sunday’s draw, but it has emerged that the Carrigtwohill clubman only has bruising and will be fit to play this weekend in Semple Stadium.
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