All About Cork: Plans to turn former convent into refuge and apartments

Cork City Council has published plans for a significant redevelopment at Evergreen Road at Turner’s Cross, which would see a former convent become a domestic violence refuge, and the construction of 32 new apartments on the site.

The project, being advanced under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations, is described by the council as an important step in expanding both social housing provision and specialist accommodation for those affected by domestic violence in Cork city.

The development site area is approximately 0.69 hectares, with access to the development will be via Evergreen Road.

Under the proposal, the existing convent building will be renovated and extended to include refuge accommodation and support services. The refurbished structure will contain a mix of one-bedroom and studio apartments, along with a new four-storey east block and rooftop terrace. Several older structures, including a chapel and ancillary outbuildings, are to be demolished as part of the redevelopment.

Two additional four-storey apartment blocks are planned for the site, comprising a total of 32 residential units. The scheme will provide a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, along with associated roads, landscaping, signage, bicycle spaces, and limited car parking.

Environmental assessments carried out as part of the planning process have concluded that the development is unlikely to have significant effects on the environment or on nearby designated habitats. An appropriate assessment screening determined that no adverse impacts are expected on the Cork Harbour Special Protection Area or the Great Island Channel Special Area of Conservation. Similarly, an Environmental Impact Assessment screening found that a full EIA is not required.

Members of the public may, however, apply to An Coimisiún Pleanála within four weeks from Friday, October 3, for a determination on whether the proposed development would be likely to have significant environmental effects.

Plans and particulars of the project will be available for inspection until November 3, both online at consult.corkcity.ie and by appointment at Cork City Hall, Anglesea Street. Submissions and observations may be made up to 4pm on Monday, November 17, either online or by post to the housing delivery and regeneration directorate at City Hall.

All observations will be considered in the preparation of a chief executive’s report to be presented to elected members of Cork City Council. Should approval be granted, the Evergreen Road project would bring a vacant and historically significant site back into use, delivering a combination of social care and housing that reflects the city’s wider efforts to respond to both the housing crisis and the urgent need for refuge spaces.

Public consultation is also open on a proposal to deal with a notorious road intersection between Tower Street and Friars Walk/Friars Street. The proposed scheme will see the junction of L5106 Tower Street with L5026 Friar’s Walk, Greenmount redesigned. The proposed scheme may include the reconstruction of junctions as raised table junctions, the improvement of sightlines by removal of on street parking, the-construction of footpaths at the junction environs, and the provision of uncontrolled crossings.

Construction will be for a short duration and will not significantly impede traffic flow in the areas concerned. During operation it is intended that the proposed schemes will lead to improved road safety in their respective areas.

Preventative measures will be implemented during and post construction to reduce the risk of pollution to surface waters.

Consultation is also open for works on the junctions of R608 Magazine Rd R849, Glasheen Rd and the L98492 Coolgarten Park.

The proposed scheme may include reconstruction of junctions at either end of L98492 Coolgarten as raised table junctions, the improvement of junction sightlines by removal of on street parking, re-construction of footpaths at junction environs, and the provision of uncontrolled crossings.

Words are also planned at Ardrostig Crossroads at R849 Bandon Road junction with L5037 Waterfall Road.

The proposed scheme may include reconstruction of the junction to remove the “triangle” layout and create safer geometry, the construction of new footpath links at the junction environs and the inclusion of safe pedestrian crossing facilities, plans and particulars of the proposed works will be available for public inspection until October 31, either electronically via Cork City Council’s online consultation portal or at the public reception desk of Cork City Council’s offices at City Hall.

Tributes paid to Don O’Leary

Tributes have been paid to past member of Cork City Council, former director of the Cork Life Centre, and Ballyphehane native, Don O’Leary.

Through his work with the Cork Life Centre, Mr O’Leary, who had been living for more than four years with terminal cancer, made life immeasurably better for hundreds of young Cork people failed by Ireland’s mainstream education system.

Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy said: “It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Don O’Leary, a man who gave so much of his life in service to his beloved Cork, and especially to its young people.

“Don’s tireless dedication, compassion, and leadership left an indelible mark on our city. Through his work, he championed education, opportunity, inclusion, and hope for generations of Cork’s youth, ensuring that their voices were heard and their potential supported. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and the stronger, kinder Cork he helped to shape,” said Mr Dennehy.

“As Lord Mayor of Cork, I have opened a book of condolences in Don’s memory. The book will open to the public from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, in the atrium of Cork City Hall.”

A representative for Cork City Council said: “The late Don O’Leary was an extraordinary educator, advocate and friend to countless young people.

“A former city councillor and recipient of the Lord Mayor’s civic award in 2022, Don, through his work at the Cork Life Centre, dedicated his life to creating a space where every young person, regardless of background or circumstance, could find belonging, dignity and the opportunity to learn.”

A spokesperson for Cork Life Centre said: “We are deeply saddened to share that the Cork Life Centre’s former director, Don O’Leary, has passed away. His impact on the centre and our young people was immense and his loss will be sincerely felt by all.

“The best way to honour Don’s work and contribution to the Cork Life Centre will be to keep doing what we’ve always done and being who we have always been — serving our young people with integrity and respect and doing everything we can to ensure the sustainability of this wonderful organisation into the future.”

Everton AFC draw appeal

Everton AFC is seeking help as part of the clubs annual Christmas Super Draw.

A representative for the club has said: “We are currently in the throes of planning our annual Christmas Super Draw. This is the club’s main fundraiser for the year and is what helps keep the lights on. How can you help us? We need prizes and ads.”

The club is looking for a donation of prizes for the annual draw. Prizes must be valued at a minimum of €100. All those that donate will be thanked across the club’s active social media channels.

Everton AFC are also looking for individuals or companies to take an ad on the back of their draw ticket.

“Ads cost €100 and your logo will be printed on 5,000 tickets, so it’s the cheapest advertising you can buy. Again, all those that take an ad will be thanked across the clubs extremely active social media channels.” If interested, please contact Stephen on 086 3518985.

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