City chief says Council is ‘proud’ of Cork park's €7m revamp

Cork City Council chief executive Valerie O’Sullivan said this week that the council is “very proud” of Bishop Lucey Park, which was reopened recently after a €7m revamp, and Ms O’Sullivan added that only a “minority” of people do not like it, and that she had now delivered her “final word” on it.

The park, just off Grand Parade in the city centre, was officially re-opened in mid-November, after a two-year closure for an overhaul, but many visitors have shared their disappointment with the new project, particularly the removal of grass.

Addressing recent criticism of the park — in the media and online — at Monday night’s Cork City Council meeting, Ms O’Sullivan reminded councillors that they had voted in favour of the plans.

Ms O’Sullivan said: “Bishop Lucey Park happened with the unanimous support of this council on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, with only two abstentions, from two members who are no longer sitting on this council.

“There was a report brought to that meeting, outlining exactly how the park would work, by then-city architect Tony Duggan.

“All the concerns and criticisms that have been raised in the press, including by people who are in this chamber, albeit a minority, were all addressed at that meeting when councillors unanimously voted in favour of the project in 2021,” she told them.

Ms O’Sullivan continued: “Despite what anybody gives airspace to in the press, the performance of the park, the surrounding public realm and the bridge, is speaking for itself for its usability and popularity. People who support it do not generally go to the press. The minority who don’t, do.

“That’s my final word on it. It was a team effort by this council and the executive of the day (Ann Doherty). It’s our park that we delivered together with your approval."