Cork's iconic Patrick's Hill 'badly in need' of revitalising

Patrick’s Hill, Bell’s Field and the surrounding areas are badly in need of revitalising to meet their full potential, councillors for the ward have said.

Independent Ireland’s Noel O’Flynn has called for a 2007 action plan for the Coburg Street and St. Patrick’s Hill area to be revised, saying: “We need to take out that plan, dust it off and concentrate on this area the same way we did on McCurtain St.” 

He told The Echo: “St Patrick’s Hill is very famous, and we need to freshen it up with new footpaths, looking at traffic flow. It should be a landmark tourist destination. Think of the views, the events, the history, but right now it is neglected and forgotten.” 

Mr O’Flynn said he has received council confirmation that graffiti in the nearby Bell’s Field is set to be removed soon, but in general the area and other nearby green spaces should be better utilised.

“The area is rich in Cork’s heritage - steps that have carried generations, the old fever hospital steps, Collins Barracks - places with stories to tell.

“Residents are living with poor cleaning, chaotic parking, and a lack of basic investment. I'm demanding a fully funded revised masterplan one that’s realistic, ambitious and community-led.” 

A spokesperson for Cork City Council told The Echo: “The review of the Cork City Development Plan over the next number of years will consider where more localised action plans and framework plans may be required to address area-specific issues.” 

Green Party councillor Oliver Moran asked the chief executive last year for an update on the 2007 action plan, and was told that since its publication, progress had been made in several areas including improvements to footpaths, crossings, lighting, bus lanes and cycle facilities.

The council added: “On completion of Bishop Lucey Park Redevelopment, Bells Field will be considered for redevelopment, subject to resources being available.” 

Mr Moran told The Echo: “The area around Patrick's Hill, Bell's Field, the Fever Hospital Steps and Sunday's Well is a gem waiting to shine again. It's an obvious draw for tourists coming to the city. It's a place that’s famous for residents too, a place we should be proud of, where people naturally gather on sunny days.” 

He said that the area was second-place to the MacCurtain Street redevelopment, and to Bishop Lucey Park, saying that given the park will be completed in November, northside councillors should now unite to ensure that Bell’s Field is prioritised next.

“In the meantime, there are issues like loose steps and a programme of care that should be prioritised. That can be a starting point to put renewed attention on the area.”