An Taisce, The National Trust for Ireland, is asking Cork City Council to redraw the masterplan for Cork's Marina Park to ensure the public park is not split in two by a proposed GAA facility.

The proposed GAA campus, which incorporates an all-weather pitch, as well as a host of other key facilities, is a welcome development and can be delivered in such a way as not to sever the public amenity of Marina Park.

An Taisce is asking Cork City Council to ensure that the project is developed as envisioned in an earlier draft of the South Docklands Local Area Plan, and as originally zoned for by the City Council.

The Council’s subsequent re-zoning of public land allows has the effect - unintended but nonetheless adverse - of splitting the public park in two, thus drastically compromising its intended function as a much needed public amenity serving communities in the docklands area and its environs.

An alternative siting of the centre of excellence and second pitch, such as at the city end of Páirc Uí Chaoimh, would both accommodate the GAA and respect the functional integrity of the Marina Park and its proximity to the Atlantic Pond. The alternative approach would also meet with the approval of the many local residents who oppose the present draft plan, and An Taisce commends it to the Council.

ENDS

For further information, please call:

Kevin Connolly, An Taisce Cork Tel: +353 87 74177 13

James Nix, Policy Director, An Taisce Tel: + 353 86 8394129

Email: [email protected]

An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland

www.antaisce.org