Parking in the area has been a bone of contention this week.

But Páirc Uí Chaoimh Stadium Board has announced the appointment of a Community Liaison Officer to deal with issues arising from traffic flow, access, and the community impact of events at the venue, alongside plans to improve the public offering at the stadium.

New plans submitted to Cork City Council include a new GAA Museum and a new Visitor Experience centre including a café at ground floor level.

There are also interior changes to enhance the stadium’s attractiveness as a conference venue together with new entrances and a car park off Monahan Road.

New landscaping and tree planting, car and bus pick-up and drop-off points, a new set down area at the main entrance, a new drop off point at the main entrance and a new bicycle parking station on the Monahan Road/Park Avenue junction also form part of the plans.

A new accessible playground is being proposed between Páirc Uí Chaoimh and the Atlantic Pond.

New plans ‘must respect neighbours’

“The pedestrianisation of the Marina has made accessing the site from its north side extremely difficult and dangerous to pedestrians.” said board member Michael O’Flynn.

“Vehicular access has to transfer to Monahan Road for safety reasons, and in doing so, we need to ensure that we put in place an acceptable plan that respects both the environment and our neighbours. We also needed to provide some additional disabled spaces for users of both the stadium and Marina Park.”

Earlier this week, the Ballintemple Area Residents’ Association penned an open letter to the CEO of Cork City Council Ann Doherty, raising concerns over the effect of recent GAA games played at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on July 18th.

The Páirc Uí Chaoimh Stadium Board says the new Community Liaison Officer has already begun engaging with the local community in advance of events and matches at the stadium.