Former Cork developer to be laid to rest on Saturday

Former Cork developer Greg Coughlan is to be laid to rest in Cork this weekend.

Mr Coughlan, co-founder of Howard Holdings, one of the country’s most successful development firms during the Celtic Tiger years, passed away on September 1 after a short illness. He was 69.

Prayers will take place in St Brigid's Church, Ballydehob tomorrow at 5pm.

Requiem Mass on Saturday at 11am will be followed by burial in Schull Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Anne and children Dominic, Tony, Caroline and Mark.

He was surrounded by family at the time of his death.

Mr Coughlan redeveloped Lapp’s Quay and planned the ambitious 1 billion Atlantic Quarter project — the first major Cork docklands projects to be granted planning permission.

The Atlantic Quarter development— a 200-bed hotel, three cylindrical apartment towers, four huge office buildings and a 5,500-person events centre— was given the green light by City Hall planners in March 2009.

However, the Atlantic Quarter project and another ambitious venture in Passage West never came to be due to the economic crash.

The Passage West proposal for the 10-acre site running halfway along Passage West’s main thoroughfare included a 200-berth marina, a 150-bed hotel, office and retail developments.

Maurice Cohalan, director of Coholan Dowling, worked with Mr Coughlan on a number of occasions.

He recently described him as “one of nature’s true gentleman” and said he gave a lot to Cork.

“He contributed substantially to the development of Cork.

“He was 20 years ahead of everyone really,” he added.

Following the crash, a bench warrant was issued for Mr Coughlan who faced potential jail time at the time for contempt of court orders directing him to supply a statement of his assets to investors pursuing him for €28.1 million.