Site Visits
Douglas Street - Go Green Next EU Horizon - VR Intervention on Douglas Street
The Go Green Next Project explores Cork City as a test site for greening interventions with the potential to improve the wellbeing of the whole neighbourhood and community. A collaboration between UCC School of Applied Psychology and Cork City Council, the work examines significant capital infrastructure initiatives, and works closely with engineers, architects and community members to trace the impact that green and nature-based components have on the experience of living, work and moving through the place.
The VR intervention allows the stakeholders to envisage what a new city part in the Douglas Street area might look and feel like, and aims to stimulate a deeper consideration on the outcomes for health and wellbeing.
Tramore Valley Park - Nature and Biodiversity focused site
Tramore Valley Park lies is a 160-acre former landfill turned public park featuring wetlands and diverse habitats that attract a variety of birds. Key species observed include wetland visitors like Black-tailed Godwit, Lapwing, and Teal, along with common birds such as Heron, Long-tailed Tit and various gull species.
Cork Nature Network has taken the lead and crafted a package of work to develop the Biodiversity Action Plan for this area thorough protecting and promoting Ireland’s wildlife through education, conservation and research to restore healthy ecosystems for all species and people of Ireland.
Managed by The Glen Resource & Sports Centre on behalf of Cork City Council this park promotes a BMX track, rugby pitch, outdoor gym and 2.5km walk – an easy hike suitable for all fitness levels.
Mahon Community Garden - retrofitting spaces and neighbourhood-based approach
Mahon Community Garden is a little piece of lush countryside for everyone in the city to enjoy. With more than over 90 volunteers and funded through Cork City Council Community grants to establish Mahon’s first Community Garden in Ringmahon House.
Partnered with Green Spaces for Health, funded through grants from the Cork City Council they have built an organic garden, installed polytunnels and completed many painting works.
Marina Park - walking/cycling focused intervention
The Marina Park project is comprised of 32 hectares and is the green heart at the centre of the 146 hectare regenerated Docklands area. This is the first URDF (Urban Regeneration and Development Fund) funded project to be delivered as part of the Cork Docklands regeneration. It is complemented by the iconic Marina Promenade, the 1.8km walkway along the banks of the River Lee, which was officially opened by Taoiseach Mícheal Martin in April last year.
Brand Blarney - The Fen, Park and Marsh area with bike paths
‘Brand Blarney’ is a voluntary organization whose primary focus is to facilitate the larger Blarney community to contribute to an already established tourist attraction in a manner that enhances Blarney’s status as a global brand and boosts the local economy. Projects include:
Interactive Heritage Trail of Blarney and Surrounding Areas
Why not take an Interactive Heritage Trail with a short but interesting stroll to learn more about the history of this world-famous village that draws close to half a million visitors each year? Step back in time to days and nights of child labour, hangings on the village green, bombings in the barracks and much much more! Link to tour
Clogheenmilcon Fen: a hundred-acre wildlife spectacle in Cork City
Clogheenmilcon Fen (pronounced ‘Cloh-heen-mil-kon) is one of the most accessible local walks suitable for bikes, wheelchairs, runners and walkers. Follow the Slí na Slainte signs for over 100 acres of wildlife sanctuary which attracts up to 83 species of birds and 10 species of small mammals annually. This ancient floodplain, wetland of the Blarney River was once a post-glacial lake and also one of Ireland’s last hiding places for wolves. Over a kilometre of public paths skirt the northern boundary, with spaced seating between to allow you to rest and observe wildlife. Look out for the stone tower created by sculptor Don Cronin.
Glen Resource Centre - community food and health systems space
The Glen resource centre promotes social integration, community development and environmental improvements of the Glen area of Cork City whilst leading a HSE community programme to increase knowledge, skills and confidence around healthy eating and simple cooking as well as the continually expanding community garden with two local garden groups that run every Wednesday and Thursday. These groups are a social and gardening educational group for all ages and abilities with raised beds for mobility issues.
Technical Workshop - FEAST
FEAST is a Horizon Europe project which Cork City Council, on behalf of the Cork Food Policy Council partnership, is using to co-create a sustainable, equitable and healthy food strategy for the city; identifying access and support gaps for urban food growing; plus trialing a ‘Living Lab’ intended to inform a future ‘food hub’ facility.
Energy Cloud
EnergyCloud is a pilot project that uses surplus renewable wind energy to support older people at risk of fuel poverty. Through the installation of smart immersion controllers, surplus electricity is directed to heat hot water in participants homes at no cost. Phase 1 of the pilot focused on 40 older adults supporting their ability to live independently, while also contributing to national climate and energy objectives.
Cork City has a WHO Age Friendly designation and continues to implement actions aligned with the WHO Age-Friendly Cities and Communities framework. Delivery of the pilot was coordinated through Cork City Council Community, Housing and Climate Action Teams in partnership with Cork City Older People’s Council and EnergyCloud Ireland (not for profit social enterprise) Phase 2 of the pilot has now begun and focuses on a roll out to the additional 100 older social housing residents on the north side of the city.
Regeneration and Retrofitting of Knocknaheeny
The City Northwest Quarter Regeneration is a long-term, housing-led regeneration programme in Knocknaheeny, Cork City. The project involves the phased relocation of approximately 450 households from outdated 1970s social housing into new-build, energy efficient homes, alongside the delivery of housing for an additional 200 households.
The physical regeneration is supported by a Social, Economic and Environmental Plan, ensuring that improvements to housing are accompanied by wider community benefits.
Vision for the community is:
- Better homes
- Enhanced social and economic opportunities
- Improved transport links
- Safer streets, squares and parks
The housing-led regeneration is a powerful climate action lever, and the City Northwest Quarter project contributes to climate mitigation and adaptation in several ways including reducing building-related emissions; reducing transport-related emissions through compact urban form and Climate-resilient infrastructure and nature-based solutions.
Community-led Garden Initiative - Talk and Walk with Eleanor
Respond Housing Association community gardening project at St Francis Gardens, Blackpool. The Blackpool roof-top gardening project began in February 2011. The residents take care of their rooftop garden oasis carefully and create a roster to ensure the correct care is available at all times. The plants and flowers are enjoyed by the residents and clients of the Blackpool Day Care Centre and the vegetables grown are utilised by residents in their cooking. The area also creates a quiet space for the older residents to sit and relax in the spring and summer months.
Creative Workshops and Mural/Public Space Work
Eleven of Ireland’s most respected and renowned street artists were invited to create works at key city-centre locations, in response to a theme inspired by the 1920 Burning of Cork.
Ardú bases itself on a theme of nostalgia and celebration. Cork City Council, Creative Ireland and Fáilte Ireland present Ardú to the public where you can interpret the murals outdoors. Audio Tour
Migrant and Inclusion- focused resilience
Cork Migrant Centre, Nano Nagle Place is part of a groundbreaking initiative designed to foster equitable and inclusive solutions for a green and digital future managed by Rethink Ireland. The initiative aims to break down barriers and support a just transition in our cities.
Discover a hidden gem of Cork at Nano Nagle Place, a vibrant heritage site that offers a unique glimpse into Irish history and culture.
