Cork missing persons group won’t be left without an operational base

Cork City Missing Persons Search And Recovery (CCMPSR) will not be required to move from its base until a new location is found.

The commitment from Cork City Council comes amid concern the unit would be displaced by new Docklands development plans.

Labour councillor John Maher proposed at Monday’s council meeting that the local authority, in consultation with CCMPSR, provide a new home, on the river, for the group before works begin on the North Docks.

Niall Ó Donnabháin, the council’s director of planning and integrated development, said that the authority recognised “the essential work” undertaken by the group.

Mr Ó Donnabháin said Cork City Council engaged with CCMPSAR prior to the development of the Cork Docklands Framework Plan and has continually engaged with them in respect of the plans for the North Quays and future use of the river.

“Port Of Cork have agreed, in principle, to transfer the quay, including the North Quays, to Cork City Council, but, for now, they are still the current owner of North Quays and have an arrangement with CCMPSAR for their use of Dowdall Buildings, the large green shed on Horgan’s Quay.

“While Cork City Council is progressing plans to redevelop Horgan’s Quay, as per the granted Part VIII planning, to create a world-class, river-side public realm, we are also committed to working with CCMPSAR to secure a long-term home for their needs,” said Mr Ó Donnabháin.

“In the interim, CCMPSAR will not be required to relocate from the Dowdall Buildings until suitable, alternative facilities have been identified.”