Bus drop-off planned for Cork stadium despite concerns from locals

Cork city councillors will be asked to green light a new bus drop-off space at Pairc Uí Chaoimh, despite the area being designated as a “public open space”.

The operators of the ground last year submitted a planning application for the new set down/drop-off area at the city end side of the stadium accessed from Monahan Road, next to the 4G astroturf pitch.

In a planning statement, the applicants said the proposals would “improve and enhance the overall operation and management of the stadium” and “improve the stadium’s integration and integration with the emerging Marina Park”.

It said the plans would be of benefit not only to the GAA but an "important asset" to Cork City as a whole, while also contributing positively to the Cork docklands. Planners also said the stadium provides one of the best settings of any stadium in Europe.

“The proposal will lead to improvements to the operation of the stadium, address existing deficiencies in set down and pick-up facilities to the benefit of both stadium users and those visiting Marina Park,” it said.

“Potential impacts upon the road network are considered to be negligible. Indeed, removing the need for larger vehicles to access the stadium via the Marina to drop-off must be considered a very significant public benefit of the proposed scheme.” 

As well as GAA matches, the documents noted that the gigs held in Pairc Uí Chaoimh also contribute significantly to the local economy.

The plans received numerous public submissions expressing concern, including from the Ballintemple Area Residents Association, who described the claims of adding to the Docklands and to the city as “bizarre”.

“100% of the stadium’s parking is on the northern side of the stadium so it is illogical to then direct vehicles to the southern side of the stadium,” they said. “And this plan is also unmanageable as a solution.

“Once again, an effectively implemented traffic management plan is required to improve manegement of the current substantial parking facilities and access points.” 

Other submissions suggested that the proposals would constitute a health and safety risk for pedestrians using the area, “who currently enjoy the freedom of using this area for access to Marina Park”.

In a public notice, Cork City Council said it intends to consider granting permission for the development but acknowledged it would “contravene materially the objectives” of the city’s development plan which designates the area as “public open space”.

The public can make submissions over the next four weeks over the proposals.

After that, the council chief executive will prepare and present a report to councillors, whose task it will be to pass a resolution if they approve the granting of planning permission.

To pass the resolution, three quarters of councillors need to vote in favour of the proposal.

A spokesperson for the council said: “It would not be appropriate for Cork City Council to comment on what is an ongoing planning process.

“The publication of the public notice invites submissions or observations from the public in relation to this application, which will be considered in due course.”