Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this area need a regional park?

Why not leave the area as it is today?

How much of the landscape will change?

Will existing fields, hedgerows and habitats be retained?

How can we be sure the park remains a natural landscape and not an urban development?

When will people actually see something built?

It is our ambition to see the first phase of the Park constructed and being enjoyed within the next 4 years.

What happens if land cannot be acquired?

Will the project be delivered in phases?

Which parts will happen first?

LIGHTING

Will lighting affect nearby homes?

The masterplan includes lighting at gateways, primary routes and some sports facilities, while maintaining dark ecological areas elsewhere.

Anti-social Behaviour

How will safety and security be managed?

Safety and security is a primary consideration in the development of the park. As the park develops, combinations of measures will be employed to ensure the park allows a good experience for all users. Measures are expected to include Park Wardens, CCTV and staff presence.

Parking

Will people park in my estate or on nearby streets?

How many parking spaces are proposed?

What measures will prevent overflow parking?

The Cork Northern Distributor Road & the Park

Why is a major road proposed through the park?

The masterplan acknowledges that the planned Cork Northern Distributor corridor crosses the central portion of the park and may create concerns regarding noise, visual impact, air quality, severance and habitat fragmentation.

It is expected that the development of the park will start in advance of the Northern Distributor, which will undergo its own separate statutory planning process.

Will the road split the park in two?

How noisy will the road be?

What will air quality impacts be?

How many crossings will there be?

What is an Eco Bridge and how effective will it be?

Will the road be constructed before the park?

Can the park succeed if the road is never built?

Can the park succeed if the road is built?

How much will the park cost?

How much will annual maintenance cost?

Where will funding come from?

Could this money be spent on housing instead?

LAND

How can this project happen if the Council owns only a small proportion of the land?

The masterplan openly notes that most of the land is currently in private ownership and that delivery will require phased acquisition and partnerships.

How will private land be acquired?

Will compulsory purchase be required?

How has consultation influenced the design?

Why were certain suggestions not included?

A balance needs to be struck when designing any project. Some of the suggestions made to the design team have not been possible to realise through this project. There are a variety of reasons for this, such as availability of appropriate land or environmental constraints.

Will there be further consultation on individual phases?

Yes. The Masterplan sets out at a high level how the lands can evolve to be a balanced Park. Each phase will undergo further detailed development, and consultation will be undertaken.

How will feedback on this draft be assessed?

All feedback on the Draft Plan will be considered, and the Project Team will assess where and how aspects of the Masterplan can change.

How many kilometres of accessible routes are proposed?

The draft masterplan places a strong emphasis on universal accessibility and accessible routes. Over 8 km of fully accessible routes are proposed across the lands, with the aim of allowing as much universal accessibility as possible to each of the areas of the Park. Given the nature of the lands which includes steeply sloped hillsides, and wetland areas, it is likely that there will be areas that will not be universally accessible.

Will there be accessible toilets?

Will there be Changing Places facilities?

Will there be toilets near key destinations?

Toilets and changing facilities have been a large part of many conversations that the Project Team have had with the Community when discussing the Park. The importance of provision of accessible facilities has been recognized, and multiple locations are proposed. The locations are based on proximity to the areas where the most footfall will be, and where operation and maintenance can be carried out most easily.

What facilities are proposed for children?

Will playgrounds provide inclusive play opportunities?

Will there be sensory-friendly spaces?

Will there be enough seating?

How will the park be designed to avoid traffic conflicts?

Can schools use the park for education?

Cork City Council would love to see school engage with the Park for education. The project team envisages that the landscape elemtns, the environmental design and the facilities included within the Draft Masterplan will encourage this educational engagement at all levels!

What is being provided specifically for teenagers?

Why is a Bike Adventure Park proposed?

Will there be skate facilities?

How have young people influenced the design?

Will sports facilities be available for public use?

How will existing clubs benefit?

Why is a BMX and Adventure Bike Park included?

Will biodiversity & habitats be improved?

How will the River Bride Wetland be protected?

Why does the plan propose floodplain restoration?

Will wildlife surveys continue throughout delivery?

How will grazing be managed?

What species are expected to benefit?

Will the park create jobs?

Could the Urban Farm support local food production?

Who will operate facilities such as the Urban Farm and Adventure Bike Park?

Questions About the Urban Farm

The Urban Farm is a distinctive proposal and likely to attract significant interest.

Why include an Urban Farm in a city park?

Will there be animals on site?

Who will manage the farm?

Can schools and community groups use it?

Can residents obtain allotments?

Who will own the park?

Who will maintain it?

What level of maintenance is planned?

What happens if future funding is reduced?

How will the Council ensure facilities do not deteriorate?

Will local communities have an ongoing role in management?

Could a friends-of-the-park group be established?

How can a nature park be compatible with a new distributor road?

Why should residents trust that this project will be delivered when Regen proposals have not been?

Ecological