Cork GAA refused planning permission for controversial Páirc Uí Chaoimh expansion
A massive decision.
Cork GAA’s plans for a Páirc Uí Chaoimh expansion, which would have seen two car parks built on publicly owned green spaces in Marina Park, have been shot down by Cork City Council.
Planners for the council dismissed the proposal, noting that there is a “presumption against developing land zoned for public space” and that the construction of the car parks would severely limit current plans to develop Marina Park into an “iconic” park.
Save Marina Park, an action group dedicated to preserving the park from the Páirc Uí Chaoimh revamp, welcomed the news.
The group wrote on Twitter: “Sensible decision by @corkcitycouncil to REFUSE further development by Cork GAA on public land. Well done and thanks to everyone who made a submission. We look forward to Cork City Council progressing their plans for Marina Park Phase 2.”
Sensible decision by @corkcitycouncil to REFUSE further development by Cork GAA on public land.
Well done and thanks to everyone who made a submission.
We look forward to Cork City Council progressing their plans for Marina Park Phase 2. https://t.co/LCLBqg0Jjs
— Save(d) Marina Park (@MarinaParkCork) September 16, 2021
On the other hand, the decision has been met with “surprise and extreme disappointed” by Cork GAA.
In a lengthy statement, the Cork GAA Board wrote: “The outright refusal raises serious and immediate questions about the safety of the existing vehicular access to Páirc Uí Chaoimh via the pedestrianised Marina. Cork GAA has grave concerns about this ongoing situation.
“The issue of insufficient disabled parking in proximity to the stadium, which was highlighted prominently in the application, remains a critical deficit.
“We will continue to seek to engage with residents groups and all interested parties in a meaningful way as we work to achieve the full potential of the stadium for all the people of Cork.” The statement can be read in full here.
Responding on Twitter, the Save Marina Park group wrote: “Their statement is about as well thought out as their planning application.”
