Cork dog owners have been asking for this for years.

Now Cork City is about to get its first public dog park, with work underway at a site in Ballincollig’s beautiful Regional Park.

According to local by-laws, all dogs must be kept on a leash while out walking in Cork. The fenced-off area will provide ample space for dogs to run and stretch their legs off-lesh and socialise with other dogs in a safe environment.

A 2021 petition calling for fenced-off dog parks in Cork garnered nearly 2,000 signatures from local dog owners eager to let their pets roam leash-free.

“Work is underway on the construction of a pilot Dog Park near the Allotments, which is expected to be completed in the next month or so.” a spokesperson for the park shared on social media.

“The Park will have separate areas for small and large dogs.”

A win for dogs and their owners

In August, a privately run dog park opened on the Killumney Road, offering a large grassy space where small and large doggos can bound around energetically without bothering walkers or joggers. Each user can enjoy the space for a 50-minute session for €15, bringing up to six dogs at a time.

If the pilot project in the Regional Park is a success, it’s likely the free dog parks will be rolled out in other parks around the city and county.

“Research shows that dog parks improve the physical and social health of both dogs and their owners,” said Cork City Councillor Pádraig Rice, who campaigned for the pilot.

“The development of dog parks in Cork is something that I and others have been calling for, for some time. However, one dog park won’t be enough. We need to see them in all parts of the city. In particular, I would like to see one in Tramore Valley Park, another somewhere near the city centre and some on the northside.”