Cork council seeks funds for revamp of field made famous by Young Offenders

Cork City Council is investigating potential sources of funding for the redevelopment of Patrick’s Hill and the surrounding areas.

This includes Bell’s Field, known for its fantastic views over the city and familiar to many both at home and further afield because of its inclusion in the Young Offenders television show.

In a motion before a recent full council meeting, Independent Ireland’s Noel O’Flynn and the Green Party’s Oliver Moran proposed that the council hold an architectural competition for the redesign of Patrick’s Hill, Audley Place, Bell’s Field, Lady’s Well, and Fever Hospital steps, and engage consultants to oversee the project.

The motion received widespread support, with councillors saying the area was historically significant and in need of investment.

Noel Murtagh, the council’s director of local area development and operations, said the council will explore potential grant funding sources for the appointment of a design team to prepare project proposals.

He said the council’s Parks and Recreation department is currently preparing draft landscape drawings for the upgrade of Bells Field, to include footpath improvements, seating and soft landscaping to enhance biodiversity in the area.

“This landscape plan will then be costed and capital funding will need to be secured, as there is no provision in the current budget,” Mr Murtagh said.

He said a 2007 action plan for the Coburg St and Patrick’s Hill area that was never followed through will now be reviewed and a report prepared on possible short term actions.

Mr O’Flynn told The Echo he was delighted to receive the support of his council colleagues, and delighted to hear them talk about the history of the area.

“I’m hoping council will come back and say they’re going to resurrect the 2007 plan, which is out of date now, and come up with a new plan for the area. I don’t have a set vision myself for it, but there are architects and other people that can come along with plans,” Mr O’Flynn said.

Mr Moran said Bell’s Field is an “iconic” Cork location.

“Whenever you see a travel programme or TV report from the city, inevitably it’s from that view, overlooking the natural hills and valleys of the city. Something I find magical is that you can set foot in the same view painted by John Butts in ‘A View of Cork from Audley Place’ nearly 300 years since,” he said

“And it’s no distance from the city centre. It’s a 10-minute walk, but it needs love. The steps are worn, Lady’s Well is inaccessible, the Fever Hospital steps are rough concrete blocks, the park itself is basic.

“And that’s not talking it down ... it can be all of those things, and still shine like a gem, show the diamond in the rough that it is. There’s lots in that that can still be done at low cost.”