Consultation opens on planned redevelopment of Spring Lane halting site

A PUBLIC consultation has opened on the planned redevelopment of the overcrowded Spring Lane halting site at Ballyvolane, along with the construction of a new purpose-built group housing scheme on the land adjacent to Spring Lane, known as Ellis Yard.

The proposed development will comprise the demolition of existing structures such as mobile homes, as well as the construction of 27 residential units.

The provision of temporary accommodation will be required on-site to facilitate the phased construction of the development.

The Green Party in Cork has described the redevelopment as an opportunity to “make good years of neglect”, explaining that the Spring Lane halting site opened in 1989 as a 10-bay halting site, and became home to more than 50 families since.

Green Party councillor for the area and chairman of the Cork City Council Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee, Oliver Moran, said: “The conditions on Spring Lane are appalling and that effect is felt by people living there and the wider community in the area.

“This plan is the opportunity to fix that — it reduces the number of families living across the site and transforms their living conditions, and a key dimension is that the site will be properly managed on an ongoing basis.

“It’s designed to prevent the kind of unplanned expansion that was allowed over the past 35 years and that created the conditions there now.

“There’s no doubt that there will be challenges in implementing what’s proposed, but the status quo is not an option, and other ideas aren’t practical.”

Independent Cork North East ward councillor Ken O’Flynn told The Echo: “As a representative committed to the betterment of our city, I firmly support initiatives that aim to enhance our urban spaces for the benefit of all residents.”

Mr O’Flynn said was hopeful that the community’s voices would “play a significant role in the development of the plan”.

He added that he will be making his own submission, saying: “A number of questions jump out of me when it comes to the design and planning, and entire consultation process.

“I believe everything can look very well in theory and on paper, but there is a reality here that has not been taken into account.”

Plans and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection until Monday, March 25, online at https://consult.corkcity.ie.

They will also be available at City Hall between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, by appointment only.

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