Protest march to take place in opposition to rezoning of Cork city land earmarked for housing 

People opposed to the rezoning of 42 acres of green-belt land at Maryborough Hill have been encouraged to attend a community protest walk this weekend organised by the Ballyorban, Johnstown, and Moneygourney Residents’ Association.

The site, at the top of Maryborough Hill, is subject to rezoning as part of the latest variation of the Cork City Development Plan.

The area, which is zoned agricultural, is close to the Glenveigh Homes development and has been earmarked for residential housing.

However, according to local residents, the proposed rezoning of the land — on which Cork City Council is set to vote on July 13 — would lead to further traffic congestion across Douglas, Rochestown, and the surrounding hinterlands.

A spokesperson for the residents’ association said locals believe it would be “sensible and responsible planning to wait until the motorway infrastructure and associated new access arrangements are fully operational and functioning, as intended, before introducing a major development that could potentially add thousands of additional vehicle movements to the local road network”.

Traffic congestion

“Douglas and Rochestown are already operating at, or close to, capacity, in terms of roads, traffic congestion, water infrastructure, drainage, school places, childcare provision, sports facilities, and public transport,” the spokesperson said.

“The issue is not whether Cork needs housing: It clearly does. The question is whether green-belt land should be rezoned before existing zoned and brownfield opportunities within the city have been fully utilised.

“Sustainable communities require infrastructure to come first, not afterwards. If we lose this green-belt land, it is gone for ever.”

The walk takes place on Saturday, from noon, alongside the proposed 42-acre rezoning site, with attendees asked to meet at the bus stop between Broadale and The Boroughs.

The walk aims to demonstrate the strength of local feeling ahead of the council vote

“We are inviting residents, families, and supporters from across Douglas and Rochestown to join us and send a clear message to Cork City Council,” the spokesperson said.

“Our community deserves infrastructure-led, sustainable planning and a comprehensive master plan for Douglas and Rochestown, before our green-belt lands are considered for rezoning.”