Funding allocated for new public space in Carrigaline

The allocation of funding for the next phase of an ambitious plan aimed at rejuvenating a key area in the heart of Carrigaline and creating a new public open space has been welcomed by local councillors.

In April 2024, planning was approved by county councillors for the Carrigaline public realm and waterfront development scheme at the Owenabue car park and riverside in the heart of the town.

Last week it was announced that €3.5m has been allocated to the scheme, part of an almost €40m package of funding for 12 projects across Cork city and county under the Government’s “gamechanger” Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund.

The proposed development includes: new waterfront public space, reclaimed from the existing car park, that will encourage community activities and connection to the water; enhanced public space to include inclusive street furniture, waterfront seating, rain gardens, trees, and shrubs, and a multifunctional public pavilion will provide a sheltered performance stage for community events, connected to the waterfront.

The plan also provides for the upgrade of public lighting and other ancillary works including drainage, and the provision of additional car parking near the Bóthar Guidel entrance to replace parking reclaimed from the existing Owenabue car park.

Fine Gael’s Una McCarthy said the “significant investment” was an “exciting step for our community”.

“It will help revitalise our town centre and waterfront, making Carrigaline an even better place to live, work, and visit.”

Her party colleague, Jack White, said while Carrigaline has grown enormously, “our town centre simply hasn’t kept pace”.

“This is an opportunity to change that — improving the heart of the town, making better use of our waterfront and creating a town centre people can enjoy and be proud of.”

“Now we need quick delivery,” Mr White said. “Carrigaline needs it. Carrigaline deserves it.”

Fianna Fáil’s Patrick O’Donovan said the scheme would be “transformative for the town”, while Sinn Féin’ Eoghan Fahy said funding for the project had been “eagerly awaited for a number of years”.

“It will provide a stronger connectivity connection from Carrigaline Main Street to the Owenabue River front.”