'People miss it': Cork city's Bishop Lucey Park will now not reopen until late 2025

Works are underway on the redevelopment of Bishop Lucey Park, which closed last year, with the expected opening date now not until the end of next year.

The redevelopment of the park will include improved access to the historic city wall, a new events pavilion and plaza, improved access and seating for all, and a new tower to mark the eastern entrance.

In December last year, Cork City Council had said the redevelopment works were expected to be completed in the early part of 2025.

At this week’s council meeting, Independent councillor for Cork City South East, Kieran McCarthy, requested an update on the schedule of works.

A council spokesperson said scheme contractor, Cumnor Construction Ltd, commenced work on the Bishop Lucey Park Project in mid-April, 2024, following completion of the enabling works contract, which included archaeological investigations, surveying, removal and storage of material and park features, etc.

“The contractor has completed approximately 35% of the improvement works to date.

“This work includes tree protection measures, site clearance, fountain removal and refurbishment, stone and metalwork conservation, civil and structural works, drainage and underground services, construction of a new maintenance cabin, etc,”said the spokesperson.

“Work is ongoing on archaeological and conservation measures to the old city wall, soft and hard landscaping, electrical installations, boundary restoration works, etc.

“The overall construction programme is 18 months duration and the park is on schedule for reopening to the public in late 2025.

“Members will be kept appraised of the ongoing progress in the interim.”

Mr McCarthy told The Echo he was happy with the answer overall, saying: “The project is still in its early stages, but there’s a lot of public interest in it, from a green climate point of view, a history and archaeology point of view, and it’s a core gathering space for people in the city.

“People miss it while it’s closed, and there’s still a journey to go with the project, so I said I would check up on it and the finances,” he added.

Mr McCarthy had also enquired whether the work was still on budget, and the council executive confirmed it was.

“I’d probably like to see the council doing some more storytelling on the project and what they’re actually doing, because there are some concerns on general aspects of the project,” said Mr McCarthy.

“Some people don’t agree with core aspects of it, some want all grass, some are happy with the tree elements - I love the idea of the history and archaeology part of the project.”