Ballintemple residents are not happy about GAA plans for a new car park at the Marina
Work on the €20m Marina Park is continuing apace.
But local residents feel that their support in relation to plans for up to seven major concerts at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, attracting an estimated 280,000 people to the venue in 2022, has been taken for granted after plans for a new car park came to light.
In a statement, the Ballintemple Area Residents’ Association (BARA) said local householders are disappointed that the GAA wants to turn a part of the Marina Park beside the Atlantic Pond at the Marina into parking for cars and buses.
“This is publicly-owned land specifically referenced in a 2014 promise from Páirc Uí Chaoimh: “Cork County Board does not propose that land designated for the proposed Marina Park will be used by it for parking or other event-related facilities”.” the group, which is made up of members from areas including Blackrock Road, Ballintemple, Maryville, Lindville, Janeville, Temple Vale, Copper Hill, Beaumont, Birchgrove, and Barringtons Avenue, said.
“BARA supports Páirc Uí Chaoimh plans to expand and thrive — these include a new GAA museum; an exhibition/visitors’ centre, and a café. But, turning a public green area near a Greenway and the hugely popular Marina and Atlantic Pond into car and bus parking for these business ventures would be a negative move for the people of Cork who have enjoyed this area so much, particularly over the past 15 months of Covid restrictions.”
BARA is highlighting that access to this proposed car park on a green area would see traffic — including buses — travelling across public pathways.
“There are many brownfield sites in the docklands that could be used for parking on big event days. A 250-space public car park has also been developed at the Marina,” they added.
