Call for Cork's Bishop Lucey Park to be renamed 

A Cork city councillor has proposed renaming Bishop Lucey Park following the publication of reports related to historical sexual abuse by religious orders.

Works are currently underway on the redevelopment of Bishop Lucey Park, which closed last year, with the expected re-opening date later this 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.

Workers Party councillor for the North East Ward, Ted Tynan, has lodged a motion with Cork city council to change the name to Páirc na mBan Chorcaí.

Remove

Mr Tynan proposed: “That, in view of the Ryan Report, the McAleese Report and the most recent Report of The Scoping Enquiry into Sexual Abuse in schools run by Religious Orders, Cork City Council forthwith remove the name of Bishop Cornelius Lucey from the public park on Grand Parade for whom he was named by a previous decision of Council.” 

The motion suggests the name Páirc na mBan Chorcaí, which translates to Cork Women's Park, to “honour to the women and girls who were victims of the institutional abuse that occurred under his reign both as priest and bishop.” 

Honour

"The name would also honour the women of Cork who participated in the War of Independence, such as Muriel McSweeney and Mary McSweeney, and celebrate the lives of other Cork women who have contributed to art and literature as well as community work and campaigning," he said.

The city centre park, which is also known as the People’s Park, was first closed on December 6, 2023, to enable construction work to commence as part of a major redevelopment plan.

The redevelopment is designed by Belfast-based Hall McKnight Architects.