Public consultation on upgrade plans for Cork halting site now open

DETAILS of an €18m housing regeneration scheme designed to resolve overcrowding and improve living conditions at Spring Lane and Ellis’ Yard halting site in Cork city will be published for public consultation under the Part 8 planning process today.

Last month, funding was approved for 27 housing units at the halting site. The plans were discussed at a meeting of the joint Oireachtas committee on key issues affecting the Traveller community where Cork City Council assistant chief executive Brian Geaney addressed the committee.

Mr Geaney said that necessary associated design work, on-site surveys, environmental assessments, and internal and agency consultation were completed, and that a detailed proposal had been completed.

Stage 2 funding of €17.9m was approved by the Department of Housing at the end of January 2024, almost three years after the publication by the Ombudsman for Children Niall Muldoon of a report which found extreme overcrowding and poor living conditions on the site.

Cork City Council told The Echo that the proposed development will accommodate a 12-unit Traveller accommodation scheme in Spring Lane and a 15-unit group housing scheme in Ellis’ Yard.

Details of the proposed development, including an Appropriate Assessment Screening Report and Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Report, are available to view from today until March 25 online, or at City Hall between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday, by contacting 021-4924552 for an appointment.

Submissions and observations can be made through https://consult.corkcity.ie/ or in writing to Mark Birch, acting programme manager, Housing Delivery and Regeneration Directorate, Cork City Council, City Hall, Anglesea Street, Cork, T12 T997.

The closing date for submissions and observations is Wednesday, April 10 at 4pm.

A pre-consultation meeting was described by Cork City North East Green Party councillor Oliver Moran as “very constructive”.

Mr Moran said it is an opportunity to fix the “appalling” conditions on the site.