Marina Promenade project will be 'jewel of the city’s pedestrianisation programme'

Construction is set to begin shortly on the Marina Promenade as part of the co-ordinated plan for the development of the Docklands area.

The project, which has been described as “the jewel of the city’s pedestrianisation programme” aims to build on the successful pedestrianisation of the popular riverside amenity from Centre Park Rd to Blackrock Village.

Cork City Council has appointed contractors Ward & Burke Ltd to complete the project, with funding support provided by the National Transport Authority.

When complete, the project will deliver a 6m-wide pedestrian and cycle corridor with adjoining plazas, riverside balconies, seating areas, and environmentally sensitive public and feature lighting.

It is estimated that works will take one year to complete, with Cork City Council chief executive Ann Doherty saying that the planned upgrade solidifies Cork City Council’s vision for Cork Docklands as a sustainable, inclusive, and community-driven location.

Ms Doherty said the project is “yet another example of the city’s commitment to providing high-quality amenity space for residents and visitors”.

The works will be undertaken in phases, with diversion routes provided for walkers and cyclists to enable users to enjoy the area while the works are ongoing.

Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork, said the pedestrianisation of the Marina during the pandemic brought home what a haven for activity and leisure the historic amenity is.

“The integration of the promenade with Marina Park and the City Centre-Passage West Greenway will be of further benefit to the communities of Blackrock, the Docklands, and wider city,” he said.

Green Party councillor Dan Boyle described the project as “a huge success” and said it is an example of how the city can use space more creatively.

“It is the jewel of the city’s pedestrianisation programme,” he said.

“These works will make it even more so. It is a great example of how we should be using space more creatively throughout the city.”

Fianna Fáil councillor Mary Rose Desmond said huge work went into the project from a design perspective, and consultation, which she said was “very important”.

“It’s a beautiful space and we all use it an awful lot, but I think it will open it up and make it that bit safer as well, but I think it will also see a huge increase as a destination area,” she said.

“It’s not just for the people of Blackrock and Ballinlough and the surrounding areas; this is a city amenity, and I think it will really enhance the outside amenities that we’re offering to people.”

Fine Gael councillor Des Cahill said he is “delighted” to see the works on the Marina project progress.

“As the local councillor for the area, I’m delighted to see the works proceed as planned,” he said.

“We are also looking forward to the start of the Marina Park phase 2 which will also start very shortly.”

Independent councillor Lorna Bogue also welcomed the works, saying the new surface would make the amenity more accessible for all.