Council looking to expand parking on Cork's northside following loss of spaces 

Cork City Council is looking into expanding replacement parking options in Farranree amid protests over a controversial road improvement scheme.

Sinn Féin councillor Kenneth Collins asked at the most recent North West local area committee meeting for the council to look into extending car parking facilities at Sam Allen Park, Churchfield, and removing the palisade fencing to create an open-plan car park for users of local businesses, the Parochial Hall, and the community.

The request came about due to the loss of parking outside the Parochial Hall as part of the €7m Knockpogue/Knockfree Ave active travel scheme. The scheme was unanimously approved by Cork City Council in April 2023 and aims to enhance pedestrian and cycling infrastructure along 1.4km of road between Gurranabraher and Farranree.

Some locals have objected to the removal of parking spaces and trees, leading to protests over the last several weeks, which the council said necessitated a security presence on site.

Willie McCarthy, chairman of the Cork County Basketball Board, said the removal of parking spaces outside the Gurranabraher Parochial Hall was “unacceptable and deeply damaging to the basketball community in Cork”.

Mr Collins was told by council officials: “Discussions are being advanced to provide parking for events being held in the Parochial Hall in the Sam Allen car park.”