2

BLARNEY CASTLE

GLANMIRE

OLIVER PLUNKETT STREET 3

WELCOME

From today, our city will expand As we welcome communities five-fold and will welcome an extra previously in County to the 85,000 plus people to the city. city, we want you to bring your expertise and experience with The city has long been a place of you. Tidy Towns organisations, welcome for visitors, students and community groups and services those coming here for work. Cork have transformed towns, villages has evolved to such an extent that and areas on the periphery of the it is a richer, more diverse and city and enhanced the quality of life multicultural place to live with the for residents; similar groups have THE LORD MAYOR OF CORK, secret well and truly out around done that in a more urban setting in CLLR MICK FINN. Europe and the world. Traditional the city. Joining all that together in festivals like the Guinness Cork Jazz, a planned sustainable fashion will the International Choral Festival inform the work of the newly elected and Cork Midsummer Festival and staff into sit alongside newer projects like the future. Multicultural Day, SeaFest and Culture Night. We are ’s second city and it is good that it is now fully Multinational and indigenous acknowledged in national planning companies like Apple, Voxpro, Dell and investment strategies such as EMC, Teamwork, Johnson Controls Ireland 2040. and Poppulo have all chosen to be based in Cork. With developing We are first for ambition, inclusion, clusters in IT, international financial diversity, community and services, cyber security and customer opportunity - not just in Ireland management - the sky is the limit and but in Europe. We are recognised it is transforming our city. global leaders in the Learning City and Healthy City movements. We are A major transport investment renowned for our food, sport and plan has been unveiled which will tourism. We are a European Capital connect once suburban and outlying of Culture. areas to the heart of the region; the city of Cork. We are Cork...city of change. Ní neart go cur le chéile. It is important as new opportunities come on stream in Ireland’s fastest growing city, that we retain what makes Cork unique: the people,the place, the welcome, the experience. It should remain a ‘beautiful city’ where people will continue to ‘sport and play’. We don’t want to become another big soulless city where the traditional céad míle fáilte is lost in translation. 4

THEO DORGAN

THE DREAM CITY BY THEO DORGAN / Poet and writer

I was born on Redemption Road, power of the state embodied in the I loved the with its dry above the valley of Blackpool, military barracks, the dead hand of ditches, the cindery field where the looking straight across at an overweening church all too much Merries came and went, the hedged Assumption Road. with us in stone and schoolroom, in mystery of the Cricket Field and the church and in chapel, the air itself winding paths of Fitzgerald’s Park. At the top of that steep hill, cresting damp, ambition damped, adventure I loved the Marina where I’d cycle the ridge, stood and and life undercut by the ruling with my Dad to watch matches, the Collins Barracks. At the end of our cynics of a provincial city. pungent smell from Gouldings on road stood St. Vincent’s Convent and Centre Park Road as we passed by the , in the fields I LOVED IT, OF COURSE, EVERY LANE Fords, and Dunlops where he gave behind our house was the Bishop’s AND STREET OF IT, EVERY TURN OF THE thirty two years of his life to feed Palace and at the top of our road, DOUBLE-CHANNELLED RIVER and clothe us. St. Finbarr’s Diocesan Seminary. I loved it, of course, every lane and Down in the valley the chimney I loved the smell of steel and oil in street of it, every turn of the double- of Murphy’s Brewery stood like a the great curve of the railway station, channelled river, the hump of every lighthouse at the edge of a blue-grey the lifting bridges, the surprise until bridge, the music of its bells and its sea, where spires and domes floating you got used to it of finding the river many contesting voices, that sing- above the haze caught what light before you when you were sure you’d song babble of news and opinion there was under the racing clouds. already crossed it. and gossip. I loved Woolworths and I made many assumptions when I Roches Stores, Kilgrews and the I LOVED IT WITH A PASSION THAT TIME HAS was young, not least that Cork would Shilling Stores, I loved the bakeries NOT DIMMED OR CANCELLED always be home, but as life and the — Ormond and Aherns, Creedons I loved it with a passion that time has city closed in on me I came to realise — and I loved the names of the not dimmed or cancelled, and now that redemption is elsewhere, that pubs long before I set foot in any of when I’m asked, in that loaded tone the life I needed to live could not be them — The Homer, The Belphegor, some people use to signal reproach, managed in a place where, it seemed The Long Valley, The Hi-B, the do you miss Cork at all, I look them to me then, everyone knew everyone Constellation at the foot of Fever in the eye and say: I never left it, I else and nobody’s business was their Hospital Steps, known to all as just live elsewhere. own. It was a prison, in ways, the The Consolation. 5

I walk it and cycle it in my dreams, but I keep up with the sca, with all the changes. I watch it like a hawk, circling over the bends of the river, a nod to the fish on Shandon, curving up towards Gurrane and then down and out in a long circling of the old suburbs and the new. I watch the new hotels spring up, the clubs and bars rising and falling, the beautiful changes in the music and colours of the streets as people flow in from all over the world as is only good and right and proper in a great port city. I get the news, daily and sometimes hourly, from family and from old ST. PATRICK’S STREET IN THE 1960S - 1970S. friends, from new friends and from (ANTHONY BARRY ARCHIVE) colleagues in the great shared adventure of writing our lives. Cork in my loving mind is the capital city of a rich and great province, its roots in the hills and the river valleys of its hinterland fed by a history that is both dense and deep. And now that compact city, the library at the heart of it, and the reborn , is reaching its arms out to embrace and gather in the towns and villages and the rolling fields that we always thought part of our world, the places we hiked to and cycled to in search of adventure. CHILDREN FEEDING THE BIRDS AT THE LOUGH, CORK 1968, (ANTHONY BARRY ARCHIVE) I SENSE A GATHERING IN, A CONSOLIDATION OF LANDS AND HISTORIES AND POWER, OF DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON THE CITY THAT WAS AND THE CITY THAT IS TO BE. Great changes are coming, the worst of the old ways are dust in the wind and the new energies are crackling with light and a variousness of daring thought and music. Go on, said one of my brothers, give us a mad vision of Cork in the coming years. Easy, I said, it will be the Athens of a new republic, the dream city where a noble past will give birth to a glorious future. He looked at me and said, would you ever cop yourself on. Fair enough, I said, getting a bit carried away there. A SHOPPING SCENE AT DAUNT’S SQUARE IN THE 1960S. ( ANTHONY BARRY ARCHIVE) All the same, though... ECONOMIC 6 DEVELOPMENT

ANN DOHERTY: CORK CITY COUNCIL CHIEF EXECUTIVE

FUTURE-PROOFING OUR CITY ANN DOHERTY/ Cork City Council Chief Executive

Q: Why is today an historic It’s projected that up to 350,000 cities, it is reasonable to expect that day for Cork? people will choose to live in Cork Cork will meet the population target city by 2040. With a population set for it by 2040 and truly become a A: As of today, Cork City is nearly of that size, we can’t continue our city of scale. five times bigger in size. We have dependence on cars to get to school, a new Cork city that includes all of work, college and home again as the Q: How will a city of scale make a Douglas, Rochestown, Ballincollig, city will be choked up. To ensure difference to an ordinary person? Frankfield, Grange, Donnybrook, our increased population can rely A: According to the National , Tower and . It’s on public transport and can cycle Planning Framework, Cork is an historic moment for our city and and walk safely, 100 km of dedicated the only city in Ireland, outside a very exciting time to be living in bus lanes, six new Park and Ride of , that is of international Cork. We can see so much change on sites, high frequency East West and significance. The population of Cork the city skyline and you can feel it North South bus corridors, 200 km metropolitan area is almost on a around the city. In the past fortnight, of primary cycleways and 140 km of par with that of , we have also seen the publication greenways are being planned for and cities combined. of the Cork Metropolitan Area the city. Transport Strategy which proposes Therefore Cork, as a city of scale, an unprecedented investment of €3.5 Q: But surely population growth must continue to play a key role in billion in public transport services. of that size is fanciful? driving the economic success of Ireland. Importantly for residents Q: Why is the National Transport A: Not at all. In the period between of the Cork City region, this level of Authority planning such large 1996 and 2016, the population population growth helps to justify scale investment in public of Cork city and county grew by investment in a wide range of key transport in Cork? 122,300 people. The lion’s share public services such as transport, of this growth was in the Cork health, housing, social services, A: Cork is going through a period of Metropolitan Area. And so, based on education and the arts. Equally remarkable economic development the experience of the past, combined this level of critical mass is good with half a billion euros in with the global trend of people of for business, giving entrepreneurs development underway choosing to live near services in access to local markets of scale, or in planning in the city centre. 7 improving investor confidence to local government for planning, and ultimately creating and transport and infrastructure sustaining jobs. investment and decision making, giving local people with local Q: Where will all of these insights the ability to develop new residents live? our city in a sustainable way in a programmed manner? A: Traditionally in Cork, we’ve seen housing develop in towns A: Cork City Council will soon adjacent to the city and in suburbs embark on the preparation of the and rural areas that surround our first City Development Plan for the city. However, it is well documented expanded city. Cork City Council by the CSO, ESRI and CIF that will ensure that the plan is informed Ireland is rapidly changing. by evidence in housing, retail We travel more. We are marrying and sustainable development. later. We have fewer children. Up to Key stakeholders will be consulted. 42% of our city centre population is Importantly the residents of Cork from new communities. will be provided with opportunities to make submissions. Difficult Our planning policy needs to reflect decisions will have to be made to these quickly evolving demands in ensure that we can achieve our terms of tenure of housing and job objectives. A development plan lasts creation. In a practical sense, we for 6 years so by 2040, the target need a mix of quality city centre date set by the National Planning apartments and quality suburban Framework, our ambitions for our living with good public transport city will be articulated in a series of supports. Eurostat research shows three development plans. Our plans we have considerable scope in and actions must be innovative or Ireland to change our tenure types we will face irrelevance in a globally to match this evolving demand. competitive economy. According to Euroconstruct, Irish housing stock per population is significantly below the European average. Cork City Council will play its role in addressing this imbalance through our city development plan and our role in delivering the Rebuilding Ireland social housing programme. The Council’s achievements and innovation on the social housing front are very visible, surpassing new build and acquisition targets set by Government in 2018. This is despite the challenges posed for housing delivery in terms of planning, procurement, building inflation and other factors in urban centres.

Q: So where to next?

A: We need greater certainty from Government to give investors continued confidence in our growing city including the docklands. A move by Government to ringfence multi-annual budgets for Cork city would enable us to programme investment in the infrastructure needed to develop key sites in our city, this could and would be a game changer. Further consideration of the devolution of powers to local government as set out in the Programme for Partnership Government, would be particularly welcome. Imagine what we could do ALBERT QUAY if there was full devolution of powers 8 8 CITY ON THE MOVE BY PAULA COGAN / President of Cork Chamber of Commerce

Business confidence levels in Cork – the majority of which is being From our members we know that are currently at 96%. As Ireland’s developed with little or no parking. new people coming to our city region fastest growing city region, Cork’s There will be a 30% increase in want to live centrally, close to where city centre footprint will grow by hotel bedrooms in the next 3-4 years they work, to experiences, and to 25% as the Docklands develop. and over 1,000 student bed spaces public transport hubs at a price they Government’s ambition for Cork have been completed or are under can afford. City is for it to reach a population of construction in the city. Growing Delivery of investment on time over 350,000 by 2040 with more the share of commuters arriving into is another key challenge. It is than half of this population growth the city by bicycle, foot and public essential that the commitments of coming from outside the country. transport will be critical to Cork’s Ireland 2040 are delivered or our The city and county population is future. Equally, I’d like to see more confidence will be undermined. expected to hit 850,000 by 2050. conversation around our public Infrastructure is the neutral Another 65,000 jobs will be created spaces, high quality public spaces enabler. From bike schemes, to in Cork by the private sector. These with innovative urban design. bus corridors and motorways, each are really ambitious targets that will I believe the main challenge facing has their part to play in creating push Cork into the next league of Cork, and indeed cities around a city that is globally magnetic. European cities. the world, is to ensure that people We are 15 months from the A modern sustainable (pedestrian can live centrally in affordable yet announcement of Ireland 2040 and and cycling) and public (bus and attractive city centre accommodation. progress, relative to that delivered train) transport network capable As we plan for the future, Cork must by the private sector, is slow. We of carrying the city’s growing develop sustainably too. This will need a laser sharp delivery focus population is crucial to realising the mean that we must increase density from Government in 2019 or our commercial and social potential of so that Cork grows up and not out. reputation for infrastructural Cork, while also tackling climate Ireland has some of the lowest- delivery among the global and local change and improving our urban density cities in the world, with Cork business community will be on environment. Up to 10,000 new City just a third as dense as similar- the line. Every State agency, civil jobs are in line for the city centre sized cities, such as Edinburgh. servant and policy document must alone in the next five years. Delivery of more urban apartment acknowledge the specific role of Construction of half a billion euro living is a fundamental need for Cork in Ireland 2040. in office development is underway business and people in Cork.

STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE LAWRENCE OWENS / Chief Executive, Cork Business Association

A new expanding Cork is emerging But with this opportunity comes It is essential that the maintenance of that is more culturally diverse, more the responsibility to preserve our the city centre as a vibrant, thriving confident in its own skin as a mid heritage that makes us what we location for retail, hospitality and other sized European city driving the are. We need to design a vibrant, business remains a core principle that economy of the Southern region. accessible and living city that works informs the strategies that will shape The framework for Cork’s future for all. Cork’s development. The city centre development is currently being has been a favoured destination for constructed within project Ireland Many diverse factors must be generations of Corkonians. It attracts 2040 and more recently with the actively considered and included in shoppers and visitors, is a centre for publication of the Cork Metropolitan this design process such as climate events and cultural activity and gives Area Transport Study (CMATS). change and its impact. Essentially the city its colour and energy. We there is an onus on us to get it right must be careful to ensure that the We now have a unique opportunity by learning from best international wonderful retail offer of international to shape that future and work comparisons and by so doing and traditional businesses which the collectively with all stakeholders deliver sustainable development, city centre has can continue to make to fast track where practicable embracing the economic, social and its distinctive contribution to Cork in key elements of these proposals. environmental spheres. the future. RONAN O’GARA / Former Munster STEPHANIE RAINEY/ and Irish International rugby player Singer and songwriter

It’s only when you go to work and live in other I think what resonates most with me most about places that you fully appreciate the ease with Cork is how friendly Cork it is. It’s not a small which you can get everywhere so quickly in Cork city but it has a small city feeling. A warmth you city. That’s a big plus as is the friendliness of people. don’t get everywhere. Cork has so much character. I think anyone can see how much Cork has Thankfully, my coaching career has gone well progressed in the past few years. The nightlife so far. But you would miss Cork, the characters and food industry has grown so much and that adds around the place, the pubs, the craic but it’s more massively to any city. The live music scene is strong than that. It’s clear that the people here are very in Cork and the different music events that come in loyal and very proud of their own and if you are a summer are getting bigger and better every year. sportsman or sportswoman, that’s a really positive, encouraging environment to be in. It’s great to see It would be great to see more creative hubs develop the city progressing and the proposal for light rail is in Cork - more space created for artists to work and very exciting. I’m really looking forward to collaborate. It would also be amazing to have more being back in Cork for all the new developments events running in suburbs like Glanmire and not just in the future. in the city centre, whether that was food festivals or smaller music events in summer.

KAREN UNDERWOOD/ ALAN BENNETT/ Jazz and blues singer Former Cork City FC player

I consider myself Corkonian by adoption. This city Strolling down the Mardyke towards town after has embraced me since I moved here 22 years. I have training still remains a great feeling. Even though I’m a huge interest in watching the growing Cork City too young to remember, I’m conscious of the history increase its cultural diversity as it grows. I’d like to of the Mardyke and have heard of the great soccer see more people like me in the Cork arts world and games that were played there and the huge crowds more people representing the very many Eastern that attended. I’ve seen some of the old photographs Europeans and Asians that have chosen to make this and they were obviously amazing occasions. city their home. I was lucky enough to come back from my career in Ordinary people must take ownership of their England with Reading, Brentford and Wimbledon and city. Everyone in Cork gets very excited about the had some great years playing and captaining Cork possibility of an Events Centre but I don’t want to City and am still very much involved in a coaching see big international casts sweep in without regard role. Cork is a sporting mad city. Support for Cork for the local arts and cultural scene. Locals artists teams and players crosses all codes which is great. should be allowed to audition too so we can continue But Cork deserves the best facilities to produce the to showcase Cork arts and culture as we do so best in the country and world. Looking forward, I wonderfully ever year through festivals like the Cork would like to see a riverside we can all share and Jazz Festival, Soul in the City etc. enjoy - for commerce, leisure and transport. PUBLIC 10 TRANSPORT

LIGHT RAIL ON WASHINGTON STREET

TRANSPORT CHOICE: THE KEY TO THE FUTURE

The level of national and international Given that Cork has been voted How that growth is managed is now validation of Cork’s strengths and one of the top 10 best cities to visit the major challenge facing the city. potential is consistent and striking. by the Lonely Planet Guide, is How people get to and from work, internationally recognised for the how children get to school, where The National Planning Framework vibrancy of its arts and cultural people live, how the economy of (NPF) 2040 states that the city offering, as the Food Capital and Cork functions, how the movement has already positioned itself as an Festival Capital of Ireland, it is clear of goods is efficient and cost emerging medium-sized European that the city, in terms of key business effective – all of these issues need centre of growth and innovation. and quality of life metrics, scores to be addressed in a cohesive and Under NPF, the Government’s very well. integrated way. blueprint for strategic planning and investment, Cork is now the city Cork City is now larger, more Traffic congestion and debilitating with most growth potential in diverse and positive. Even the most delays will inevitably result from the the country. disinterested will be aware of the kind of growth envisaged for Cork dynamic phase of development that unless dependence on the private According to the Financial Times fDi Cork City is undergoing at present. car is addressed and alternative European Cities and Regions of the That development isn’t planned transport modalities are introduced. future 2018/19, Cork is the: or proposed but is happening. In projects already underway, CORK CITY COUNCIL’S VISION IS FOCUSED – BEST SMALL CITY IN EUROPE FOR 10,000 new jobs will be created in ON CREATING A CITY OF SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS FRIENDLINESS the city centre within seven years. URBAN GROWTH... – ONE OF EUROPE’S TOP 25 EUROPEAN NPF 2040 envisages that Cork Cork City Council’s vision is focused CITIES OF THE FUTURE AHEAD OF will become the fastest-growing on creating a city of sustainable COPENHAGEN, HAMBURG AND GENEVA. city region in Ireland with a urban growth - a city that is built for the future, where families can live – ONE OF EUROPE’S TOP 10 SMALL projected 50% to 60% increase close to work, schools, green spaces EUROPEAN CITIES OF THE FUTURE in population in 20 years time. That is a remarkable pace of and public transport. development by any standards. 11 ROADS STRATEGY COST APPROX €1.39B BUS CONNECTS STRATEGY COST APPROX €545M

INVESTMENT ON A NEW MULTI-MODAL NATIONAL ROADS NORTHERN & HGV 100KM 200KM 6 DUNKETTLE SOUTHERN RESTRICTIONS OF BUS LANES AND BUS OF CROSS STRATEGIC PARK M28, M27, M20 DISTRIBUTOR IN CORK CITY PRIORITY MEASURES CITY ROUTES AND RIDE SITES NORTHERN RING ROAD ROAD

LIGHT RAIL STRATEGY COST APPROX €1B CYCLING STRATEGY COST APPROX €230M

25 140KM GREENWAY BETWEEN NETWORKS STOPS BALLINCOLLIG ALONG THE ROUTE. 17KM CORK CITY CENTRE, SIMILAR LIGHT RAIL KENT STATION, 200KM VEHICLE TO DUBLIN LIGHT RAIL CORK DOCKLANDS PRIMARY CYCLE 60KM LUAS FLEET. NETWORKS AND MAHON POINT NETWORKS INTER-URBAN CYCLE NETWORKS

SUBURBAN RAIL STRATEGY COST APPROX €274M WALKING STRATEGY COST APPROX €50M

62KM 8 NEW SUBURBAN ENHANCED 200KM STATIONS RAIL NETWORK NEW AND UPGRADED PLUS IMPROVEMENTS TO , BETWEEN , WAYFINDING FOOTPATHS MALLOW AND KENT STATIONS COBH AND MALLOW SYSTEMS

Key elements in the Strategy include Nothing remains the same and 100km of bus lanes, six new Park international experience shows that and Ride sites, high frequency East it is those cities that innovate, have West and North South bus corridors, flexible and diverse business models, a light rail system service between good quality of life and incorporate Ballincollig and Mahon Point via sustainable transport options into the city centre, additional suburban everyday life do best. rail services, 200km of new and upgraded pathways, a 200km PUBLIC TRANSPORT THAT IS CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE AND RELIABLE CAN UNLOCK SOUTH RING ROAD network of primary cycleways and 140km of greenways. CORK’S LONG TERM POTENTIAL...

€1.4 billion will be spent on roads, Public transport that is convenient, The key to implementing that vision including the M28 to Ringaskiddy, accessible and reliable can unlock is public transport, which is why the Dunkettle interchange and on Cork’s long term potential, cut congestion, reclaim road/car the NTA’s recently published Draft improved orbital routes on the north and south sides of the city. park spaces for more greenery Cork Metropolitan Area Transport and communal spaces and foster Strategy is of such significance. Consultants have recently healthier lifestyles. The Draft Cork The Strategy envisages radical and been appointed to progress the Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy exciting changes that will redefine M20 scheme starting at the or CMATS for short is a public and improve life in the ‘New City’. appraisal stage. consultation document that deserves engagement by everyone concerned The Strategy proposes a €3.5 billion The global urban mobility landscape with the future of Cork. transformation of life in the city is changing rapidly and is redefining and in the Cork Metropolitan area the way people move around cities The Strategy can be accessed at through the provision of world class the world over. Cork City, too, needs www.nationaltransport.ie/ public transport services. to embrace those changes. consultations PATRICK HORGAN/ MARY MCCARTHY/ Cork Intercounty player Director of 12

For many decades, the powerhouses were the Could Cork be compared to a large family: one big city clubs: the Glen, Blackrock and the ‘Barrs. The where dialogue and discussion isn’t easy and rise of clubs like Midleton and over frequently breaks down into rows, one where we the years has obviously changed the landscape which don’t always treat our family members the best or is a good thing. tell them we love them, yet, if anyone outside the family attacks us, we are fiercely loyal to the point By and large, city clubs have struggled a bit but there of being unself-critical? is still an edge, something different, when they meet. There’s a lot of history and pride involved. Even When visitors come to visit we show them the though the city has changed a lot, when you line out best room and put on our finest spread, yet we with the Glen, as in my case, you absolutely feel that sometimes ignore our youngest family members you are representing the community around Blackpool. - mistakenly believing those that are here longer It’s the same for all the other city clubs. know best. We fear change as we have been in this place for a long time. Cork is still small enough to retain that sense of identity and players draw off that. Cork City is Now that Cork is expanding, we need to consider changing a lot at present but I think the importance of new ways of remaking a strong yet porous identity clubs and communities will remain and hopefully be for the new city region- we need to change our passed on. Cork family behaviour.

SANITA PUSPURE/World record ALEX MURPHY/Cork actor, best known holder in Women’s Single Scull for his leading role in ‘The Young Offenders’.

After four years in Dublin, I came to Ballincollig in 2011 My favourite thing about growing up in Cork was and really liked it straight away. It was more compact, having the opportunity to spend time in the city obviously, much less traffic and people were very and the country. It always felt so connected and friendly. It has character and I suppose if there was accessible. Whether it was getting the 220 to a word to describe it, it would be “homey”. or strolling into town with my friends you always had something to do. Now that I’m I find there is a great sense of pride in Cork, more older and living away from home, I try to get back than other areas, and that feeling is really contagious. for festivals like the Cork Jazz and Midsummer Cork has adopted me and I’ve adopted Cork so much Festivals. so that I feel the same way about it as people who were born here. I think it’s the best place to be, I’ve been living away from Cork for three years the best place to live, the best everything – just like now, which for me, has only highlighted how great modest Cork people! I hope being in the extended Cork is. The city is unique, lively, friendly and has city will be good for Ballincollig and we should keep such a love for art and music. That might sound like our minds open on that score. I hope being in the city a cliché but you really can’t say that about every will see our Garda station fully opened, not closed city. I would like to see the city expand as there is so for portions of the day. I think that’s important for much for Cork city to offer. everyone who lives here. 13

A CITY OF WATER AND SONG BY FERGAL KEANE / Africa Editor, BBC News

I have so many memories of living I remember afternoons drifting OF COURSE I MISS THE HUMOUR. THE EASE in Cork. It is a continuum really, a into dusk at a friend’s house on the OF LIFE. THE PLACES THAT ARE NO LONGER sense of belonging such as I have Mardyke and knowing that life would ON MY DOORSTEP: WALKING DOWN never felt elsewhere. My favourite never feel as fresh and new again, PATRICK’S STREET AND OLIVER PLUNKETT memories of Cork revolve around looking out from the high windows STREET ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON. people, strong and generous people of my mother’s house in Montenotte who gave me warmth and security. on a January night when the city Going up the Mardyke and into I remember going into town with was covered in snow, the crowded Fitzgerald’s Park and across the my grandmother May Hassett and stands at Musgrave Park when Pres Shakey Bridge to Sunday’s Well. the treat of Tanora and a cake in faced off against Christians and I miss living near my family: Thompsons. She had an exceptional we hovered between triumph and my mother in Monkstown, ear for the humour of the city and tragedy, and music in Sir Henry’s my uncles and aunts in Passage delighted in the characters like Andy Hard Rock café opposite the brewery and . Gaw and Katty Barry. when I was old enough to drink Cork City has clear characteristics legally (previously I had haunted the SOME OF MY MOST TREASURED MEMORIES that resonate with me. I mentioned pubs on the Quays where in those far OF CORK ARE LINKED TO PARTICULAR the humour. The gift of not taking away days attitudes towards age were PLACES IN THE CITY. ourselves too seriously. For me these more ‘liberal’.) My Cork is a city of are the defining characteristics. From the 1970s I will remember water and song. But also a fierce pride in the place. vividly the roads and lanes between What do I miss about Cork having This is not defined by opposition my grandmother’s house in left it? I miss what can never come to Dublin as the capital. It is a and the home of my back. The people and experiences more confident feeling. A sense of girlfriend in , the walking that were particular to a place and ourselves that needs no bigging up to happiness on long summer time. But they inhabit me still. They through boasting. evenings, the sound of the birds on will always. It was Frank O’Connor the Lough in the still of the early Clearly the physical landscape of the who said that although he had left hours as I returned home, the sun city is changing. I am struck by the Cork, the city had never left him. red behind Wilton Church on a vivid rise of new buildings, the appearance One can be away for a very long time July afternoon, and the heat on my of housing estates and industrial and not see people for years but they back cycling out of the city towards estates on land I remember as green are part of your emotional map, the Myrtleville. fields. Change is inevitable but there gift that is not erased, ever. is a certain sadness at the vanishing of what was familiar. KEY TO THE PROGRESSION OF THE EXPANDED CITY IS SENSITIVITY TO THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT. THE CITY’S SETTING IN THE LEE VALLEY IS CENTRAL TO ITS CHARM. Protect the beauty of river and trees. Build with reverence to our history by – where possible - renovating and re-imagining what exists. The best cities are those where the human individual is cherished. The Cork of many little villages that form a coherent whole should be our aim.

GRAND PARADE FLOODING 14 RELIEF

AFTER: MORRISON’S ISLAND

PROTECTING OUR CITY BEFORE: MORRISON’S ISLAND

A DECADE AGO, €130 MILLION OF DAMAGE The infrastructure required to The project extends over WAS CAUSED IN CORK CITY BY FLOODING. address flooding in Cork city is approximately 15km from west of an absolutely necessity. It is as Ballincollig to the eastern edge of For those unaffected, the distress essential and, in many respects, Cork City Centre Island. There have caused to hundreds of business is even more critical than other been several design iterations of the people and many more who saw infrastructural elements such as the scheme since the project began. As their homes and property destroyed, Eastern Gateway Bridge, Docklands will be seen from the accompanying can only be imagined. development and bus transport, visuals, concerns have been taken and light rail rapid transport which on board and there has been a huge Flooding is a problem that has are proposed to ensure the city’s commitment to create a project that dogged Cork City for centuries. development and its capacity to is not solely a flood relief scheme, The city suffers from both tidal attract inward investment. but a significant urban regeneration and fluvial (river) flooding, the project, positioning the at consequences of which have been The approach in the Lower Lee the centre of citizens’ experience. seen regularly over the years. Flood Relief Scheme is holistic and The Office of Public Works (OPW) includes advanced technology- which is the State agency charged CLIMATE CHANGE MAKES THE RISK driven flood forecasting across with the delivery of the Scheme and OF FLOODING EVEN MORE ACUTE AND the catchment area, revised dam Cork City Council believe the project PREVENTIVE MEASURES MORE URGENT. procedures, designation of upstream appropriately balances aesthetic and washlands in the floodplain to The Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme heritage considerations with the facilitate advance discharges from (LLFRS) is the culmination of over imperative of protecting the lives the dam, a flow regulation structure 10 years of consideration and study and property of the many who have in the South Channel and low-level of the River Lee Catchment and the suffered continually through flooding. quayside defences on the North and complex nature of flooding impacting South channels of the river. Beyond the flood relief benefits, the Cork City. It proposes a necessary, scheme will provide investment of affordable, workable and integrated circa €140 million allowing a range approach to a problem that simply of improvements to be delivered to must be tackled and represents the Cork City. best solution for Cork. AFTER: KYRL’S QUAY AFTER: TRINITY BRIDGE

BEFORE: KYRL’S QUAY BEFORE: TRINITY BRIDGE

It has been a long-standing objective In some locations existing limestone The Scheme provides for of Cork City Council, to re-orientate parapet walls will be strengthened, approximately 6km of new and/ the city towards the river, and in but will not visually be significantly or improved riverside walk and particular to create high value different in height or appearance. cycleway from the Lee Fields south facing public spaces along Elsewhere existing metal railings, through to the City Centre. the south-facing channel. There often with a concrete wall at the In locations such as Ferry Walk, is now an opportunity to start this base, will be replaced with more the opportunity has been taken regeneration on Morrison’s Island. appropriate architecturally designed to integrate the flood protection With the support of the OPW, this walls and railings, with the wall, as in the design of a new plaza space. project will also incorporate low at Morrison’s Island, around knee- level quayside defences (about knee height and with a railing on top that The Lee Fields will be reshaped, high), supported by the existing is appropriate to safeguard the public to integrate flood protection into quay walls which will be sensitively from falling into the water (circa 1.1m a landscape which can incorporate repaired and restored. This project high – from ground level to the top wetlands and wildflower meadows, will be transformative for this area, of the railing). which pedestrian and cycle both in terms of adding a high connections will pass through. value public realm space and also in Contrary to claims that have been The project provides an opportunity significantly reducing the extent and made, the proposed scheme does to create high quality off-road severity of the regular tidal flooding not include any high walls along any pedestrian/cycle, connections, that originates from this low-lying of the city’s quays. In fact, where with the potential to link the City quayside. the height of existing walls has to be slightly increased to create a centre to Ballincollig. Throughout EACH OF THE QUAYS IN THE CITY HAS BEEN quayside defence, comprehensive the scheme, existing uses of the CAREFULLY CONSIDERED TO ESTABLISH conservation measures have been river will be safeguarded and new THE BEST WAY OF INCORPORATING THE put in place to minimise any impact, opportunities have been identified. FLOOD PROTECTION. including salvaging and reinstating These are “win-win” for the city, of the existing wall stonework. for local people and for visitors. 16 16 A SPORTING CITY MICHAEL MOYNIHAN / Senior Sports Writer

The roll of honour is a daunting one for BECAUSE IT TRACKS THE GROWTH OF THAT a decade, however, Cork City had been anybody with an interest in sport. At ENVIRONMENT. reborn and would put manners on least it is if you’re not from Cork. Pub German superpower Bayern Munich, arguments about the greatest sporting The radiation outwards of population holding them to a 1-1 draw in European county in Ireland rarely make it over from the centre of Cork city over the competition. The man who scored the first fence, because if someone decades is a story that could be told Cork City’s goal in that game embodies in the company is from Leeside they in dry statistics or alternatively, by another aspect of the city’s sporting simply have more ammunition than showing the move of senior hurling life, one which echoes a fond belief of anyone else. titles outwards from the axis of Corkonians everywhere: that they are Barrack Street and Tower Street capable of mastering any challenge. That roll includes but isn’t limited over one hundred years ago to to: Ireland’s greatest Olympian the suburbs of Blackrock, Blackpool Dave Barry was the man who put and greatest hurler; Ireland’s most (Glen Rovers) and Togher Bayern Munich back on their heels, decorated GAA player of all time, and (St Finbarr’s) by the mid-century and fresh from collecting All-Ireland second-most decorated GAA player of later, with satellites like medals as a Gaelic footballer. His all time; most recent Lions captain and and Douglas becoming powers in example has been followed by founder of the European Rugby Cup; more recent decades. In social terms, countless others: Darren Sweetnam, Ireland’s greatest soccer player and the city and sport have been linked intercounty hurler and now Ireland’s top-scoring rugby player; the inextricably for decades as well. Go professional rugby player, like Tomás only dual All-Ireland winner in one back to early eighties and Cork was O’Leary before him; Setanta Ó hAilpin, year, and only All-Ireland winner six suffering catastrophic job losses with Young Hurler of the Year one season, years in a row; winners of All-Ireland the departure of key employers such professional Australian Rules player , hurling, basketball and as Ford and Dunlop. the next; Setanta’s older brother Seán rugby titles in one year, and runner-up Óg remains the only man to play in soccer the same year; when Ireland At the same time the county’s hurlers Compromise Rules for Ireland despite hadn’t won a Triple Crown for three had suffered two All-Ireland final not playing inter-county football the decades it was a Corkman who won defeats in a row to and same season. All of these strands it with a last-gasp kick, and when were facing the prospect of a grim interweave, of course. The vast palette Ireland hadn’t won a Grand Slam in historic record - the first team to of sports on offer in Cork - correction: five decades another Corkman won it lose three All-Ireland senior finals of top-flight sports - intersects with the with a last-gasp kick. You get the picture. in a row. Before they played the 1984 staggering success on every level, and All-Ireland final they were reminded the cross-pollination mentioned above When RTE polled viewers for Ireland’s that the city needed a boost: they means that sports success in Cork is greatest sportsperson in 2009 three of provided one with an emphatic seen as the natural order of things, the the top ten were from Cork; the father victory. universe in harmony. of the number one, Padraig Harrington played Gaelic football for Cork; and It was a tough period in the life of OTHER PLACES FOCUS ON A GRIM the grandparents of Brian O’Driscoll, a city which had had two League of EXCLUSIONARY CULTURE WHEN IT COMES number two, were from Cork. All of Ireland clubs at times in the previous TO SPORT, HAPPY TO BE IDENTIFIED which you may already know, in which decade: for a couple of years early in AS SINGLE-TRACK AND MONOCHROME, case your question is simple - what the eighties there was no League of UNAWARE OF THE JOYS OF DIVERSITY. does this have to do with the city? Ireland club at all in the city. Within That could never be the Cork way. There’s too much to play. Too much to win. That background of success breeds a brimming confidence. Some years ago an American company was mulling over locating in Ireland. Its representatives went to and were reasonably happy, and then they went to Cork. They remarked afterwards that anyone they met in Cork spoke about the city as though there were no other place in the world like it, that the belief Cork people had in themselves was something they had rarely if ever met elsewhere. Little wonder. What other IN CONCRETE TERMS SPORT CAN HELP YOU MARDYKE IRELAND V HUNGARY,1939 city has the success to instill this kind UNDERSTAND ANY URBAN ENVIRONMENT of confidence? 17 A CITY OF FESTIVALS FESTIVALS SUPPORTED BY CORK CITY COUNCIL

SEAFEST FRI 7 — SUN 9 JUNE 2019

Centred at the Port of Cork in Cork City, the line up will include a world-renowned tightrope walker crossing the Lee, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations and the never-before-seen ‘Clean Oceans’ Visitor Experience, brought to Cork to raise awareness around plastic in our oceans. | Visit: seafest.ie CARNIVAL OF SCIENCE SAT 22 — SUN 23 JUNE 2019

With a Big Top, Explorium, Stardome and Imaginosity Little Top, this will be an incredible celebration of science, that will delight and enthrall young and old! Supported by Science Foundation Ireland, organised by the Lifetime Lab and including shows by London Science Museum. | Visit: corkcity.ie/en/things-to-do/ festivals-events

CRUINNIÚ NA NÓG (NATIONAL YOUTH FEST) SAT 15 JUNE 2019

Encouraging children and young people’s participation in culture and creativity through a wonderful spread of free activities. Enjoy theatre, music, dance, craft workshops and a specially created Street Art Festival. | Visit: cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie CORK MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL THUR 13 — SUN 23 JUNE 2019

11 days of theatre, literature, dance, circus and visual arts to include 25 world, European and Irish premieres. As well as showcasing some of Ireland’s finest artists, the festival will welcome artists from across the world, including Chile, Canada, USA, Poland, UK, Finland and France. The festival brings 45 events to 30 venues across the city. | Visit: corkmidsummer.com

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Cork City Council would like to thank all our contributors and the Irish Examiner for the provision of images for this supplement. PARKS & 18 GREENWAYS

CHILDREN PLAYING ON THE MARINA

BREATHING LIFE INTO THE CITY FAMILY DAY OUT AT THE MARINA

The benefits of well-designed parks Cork City Council is always looking the way to . Another and greenways are legion. Not only for opportunities to develop amenity priority will be the development are they an urban retreat, they are walks as they are a low maintenance of parks in the north east and cultural hubs, an amazing resource way of providing cycling and northwest of the city. The wider for residents and community groups walking facilities and maintaining Glanmire/Mayfield community and a key enabler of healthy and biodiversity and green spaces. deserve a more substantial park sustainable living. and the Glen and we are scheduled to commence Park, with its popular parkrun, is the design work on a park off Kilmore URBAN PARKS, WALKWAYS AND most recent example of this. As the Heights in Hollyhill in the autumn. GREENWAYS MAKE CITIES LIVEABLE, city extends, we will be looking for MEANING THEY ARE A MORE ATTRACTIVE more opportunities in the new city. Tramore Valley Park opened earlier INVESTMENT AND RESIDENTIAL LOCATION. The creation of a greenway from this month. What was once the city’s Ballincollig Regional Park into the landfill is a 70 hectare amenity on When you can work, live, travel and city centre will be a priority during the doorstep of the city; a fantastic play easily in a city, people of all the new Council. We have acquired place for children to ‘let off steam’. ages want to live there and economic some of the necessary land, west of The park – one of the largest green opportunities abound. the Lee Fields, and this will ensure a sites in the city - will play host to sporting and cultural events and Recreational projects, like Tramore route to Ballincollig. includes a BMX track, an outdoor Valley Park, Marina Park, the Lee Blackrock is already renowned for gym, playing pitches, dressing rooms Fields, Ballincollig Regional Park, the tree-lined Marina and the former and a 2.5km ‘Robert Heffernan’ the recently acquired lands at Cork, Blackrock and Passage West looped walk with a raised dome Inchigaggin, near the Carrigrohane railway line which is a walking and area which provides 360 degree Straight, and the cycling route. The development of a views of the city and county. Over Greenway will immeasurably Ballincollig to city centre greenway, time, further facilities will be added improve our quality of life. A Master with quality cycle lanes in the city at the park. To fulfil its potential, Plan for the new Inchigaggin lands centre, which link out to Blackrock Tramore Valley Park will need to be will be undertaken shortly as a first will ensure that we will eventually connected by bridge to Frankfield/ step in the creation of a new park on have a Cork Harbour Greenway all Grange and to the Park And Ride. the western perimeter of the city. 19

SUNNY DAY AT FITZGERALD’S PARK RIVER LEE AT BALLINCOLLIG REGIONAL PARK

OUTDOOR CINEMA FITZGERALD’S PARK ARTISTS IMPRESSION OF MARINA PARK

Over the next year, construction is A portion of the central hall will Cork City Council is committed due to commence on Marina Park be retained for use as a pavilion. It to developing urban green in Blackrock. Marina Park is much will include a covered playground, spaces because we believe in the more than a park for Cork City. It event space and food/drinks outlet. importance of making a city liveable, signals a further opening-up of the A central plaza will be used for beautiful and child friendly. docklands; the biggest brownfield gatherings and organised events site in the country and the final including large and small scale The Mardyke Gardens project, frontier for major development in cultural events. completed in May 2014, included the city. Marina Park will address elements of the Gold Medal winning drainage issues, and be an exemplar A WESTERN PLAZA WILL ALLOW FOR ‘Sky Garden’ from the 2011 Chelsea of the quality urban open recreation SMALLER PERFORMANCES LIKE BUSKING Flower Show, a new outdoor space that is so necessary for city AND STREET PERFORMANCE ACTS. performance space, garden cafe and living. Marina Park, at approx 32ha, a large children’s playground suitable The sports zone will provide will be approximately five times for children of all abilities. additional boating facilities along the size of Fitzgerald’s Park. It will the Marina to complement the new CORK CITY COUNCIL CONTINUES TO wrap around the redeveloped Páirc pontoon installed by the Council INVEST IN PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS... Uí Chaoimh and include the much- three years ago and will include loved Atlantic Pond amenity. Just Páirc Uí Chaoimh and the Centre Cork City Council continues to 2.5km east of Cork city centre, it of Excellence. An outdoor events/ invest in parks and playgrounds, will extend from Monahan Road and performance field will be situated with a new €650k playground Centre Park Road to the west, to the to the left of the stadium with a just opened at Bishopstown and harbour at Blackrock to the east. capacity to hold 1800 people. new outdoor gyms installed at the The development of the park will Fairfield (Fairhill), Loughmahon Park take place over a number of years in Marina Park will be accessed by Mahon, and at Gerry O’Sullivan Park phases as funding comes through. the Marina and Blackrock Churchfield. Railwayline Greenway. A docking The heart of Marina Park will be facility on the Atlantic Pond will the site of the central hall area of also be developed for model yacht the former Munster Showgrounds. and boating activities. TIVOLI MAHON WILTON FAIRHILL THE GLEN THE SHANDON MARDYKE MAYFIELD GLASHEEN HOLLYHILL 20 THE LOUGH THE SHANAKIEL POULADUFF BLACKPOOL FARRANREE BLACKROCK BALLINLOUGH MONTENOTTE CHURCHFIELD GREENMOUNT SOUTH PARISH SOUTH BISHOPSTOWN FARRANFERRIS MIDDLE PARISH SUNDAY’S WELL SUNDAY’S TURNERS CROSS TURNERS