Council officials are being hampered in their quest to restore derelict
sites and houses in Co Cork as many of the properties are in the hands of
financial institutions which can escape penalties applicable to private owners.
Members of Cork County Council will shortly seek to have the laws relating to
all derelict properties tightened up after officials prepared a report, on the
issue, for the Macroom/Blarney Municipal District Council. The municipal body
decided to shortly seek the backing of the entire 55-member chamber before
petitioning Minister Eoghan Murphy who heads Housing, Planning and Local
Government. The report showed, in a number of cases, sites and properties
acquired during the last boom were in a state of dereliction. Many are the
subject of ‘mortgage judgements’. However, there is no requirement for a
financial institution to share information with a local authority or assist a
council in its efforts to try and engage with the property owner.
Read the full article @ The Irish Examiner
Showing posts with label Cork county council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cork county council. Show all posts
Monday, 26 March 2018
Monday, 12 September 2011
Appeal against €10m waste plant on hold as board considers application
A SLUDGE treatment company which plans a €10 million upgrade to enable it to process hazardous waste faces a considerable challenge as An Bord Pleanála has questioned the validity of the planning application.
Last June Cork County Council granted planning to Eras Eco Ltd to extend its facilities at Foxhole, Youghal, to permit the processing of 95,000 tonnes of waste annually, including 30,000 tonnes of hazardous material.
Youghal Chamber of Commerce has appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála, while the company has yet to apply to the Environmental Protection Agency for an operating licence.
However, the board is inviting submissions from relevant parties up to September 13, amid concerns that the planning application may qualify as a strategic infrastructure development and be beyond the remit of regular planning criteria. The chamber’s appeal is on hold until the status of the original application is decided.
The plans remain the focus of strong resentment in Youghal, with almost 300 objectors attending a meeting at the GAA pavilion.
Eras Eco workers distributed bro-chures on the plant’s existing and intended facilities before the meeting.
The co-founder of Blackwater Estuary Action Group, Michelle Ryan-Hennessy, told the meeting that in 2009 there were over 40 breaches of emission limits in the Blackwater, including ammonia, sulphates and suspended solids.
Guest speaker Natasha Harty of the Cork Harbour Alliance For A Safe Environment advocated a "multi-pronged" resistance campaign. Several people questioned the wisdom of importing waste into a tourist town and to a site near a playground, a business park and a river.
Others called on Youghal Town Council, as site landlords, to meet with Eras Eco. Details were also given of how to register submissions if Eras Eco applies for an operating licence.
"If the community rejects this, it cannot be imposed," said one speaker.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Last June Cork County Council granted planning to Eras Eco Ltd to extend its facilities at Foxhole, Youghal, to permit the processing of 95,000 tonnes of waste annually, including 30,000 tonnes of hazardous material.
Youghal Chamber of Commerce has appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála, while the company has yet to apply to the Environmental Protection Agency for an operating licence.
However, the board is inviting submissions from relevant parties up to September 13, amid concerns that the planning application may qualify as a strategic infrastructure development and be beyond the remit of regular planning criteria. The chamber’s appeal is on hold until the status of the original application is decided.
The plans remain the focus of strong resentment in Youghal, with almost 300 objectors attending a meeting at the GAA pavilion.
Eras Eco workers distributed bro-chures on the plant’s existing and intended facilities before the meeting.
The co-founder of Blackwater Estuary Action Group, Michelle Ryan-Hennessy, told the meeting that in 2009 there were over 40 breaches of emission limits in the Blackwater, including ammonia, sulphates and suspended solids.
Guest speaker Natasha Harty of the Cork Harbour Alliance For A Safe Environment advocated a "multi-pronged" resistance campaign. Several people questioned the wisdom of importing waste into a tourist town and to a site near a playground, a business park and a river.
Others called on Youghal Town Council, as site landlords, to meet with Eras Eco. Details were also given of how to register submissions if Eras Eco applies for an operating licence.
"If the community rejects this, it cannot be imposed," said one speaker.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Council objects to incinerator plan
Cork County Council is to write to An Bord Pleanála to reiterate its opposition to a proposed €150 million twin incinerator project in Cork Harbour following the submission of a revised proposal by developer, Indaver Ireland, writes Barry Roche.
Councillors backed a proposal made by Labour councilllor Paula Desmond and seconded by Fianna Fáil councillor Seamus McGrath that the council write to the board stating that they did not believe the revised proposal addressed their concerns.
Twelve councillors spoke with 10 supporting a proposal to write to the board with only Fianna Fáil councillor Kevin O’Keeffe supporting the incineration proposal and Fine Gael councillor Michael Hegarty urging caution on jeopardising jobs in the pharmaceutical sector. Cork County manager Martin Riordan’s advice not to write to the board was rejected. The revised proposal is being considered under the Strategic Infrastructure Act.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Councillors backed a proposal made by Labour councilllor Paula Desmond and seconded by Fianna Fáil councillor Seamus McGrath that the council write to the board stating that they did not believe the revised proposal addressed their concerns.
Twelve councillors spoke with 10 supporting a proposal to write to the board with only Fianna Fáil councillor Kevin O’Keeffe supporting the incineration proposal and Fine Gael councillor Michael Hegarty urging caution on jeopardising jobs in the pharmaceutical sector. Cork County manager Martin Riordan’s advice not to write to the board was rejected. The revised proposal is being considered under the Strategic Infrastructure Act.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 23 February 2009
Ireland’s only cable car to be replaced 40 years on
IRELAND’S only cable car is set to be replaced next month — exactly 40 years on from when it was first installed to link an island off the south-west coast to the mainland.
The new e30,000 car will replace one that was set up in 1969 to provide Dursey Island’s population with an alternative to the sometimes treacherous boat crossing of the channel, which has extremely strong and dangerous currents.
Cork County Council had the cable car built by a firm in Limerick.
But as there was no company in this country capable of galvanising such a large object, it had to be sent to England.
It is now back in Dursey waiting to be installed.
Ted Murphy, a senior executive engineer with the county council, said good weather would be needed to complete the project.
"We hope to install it next month. We will be checking with Met Éireann to find a good weather window. It will take about a week because we will have to take the old one down," Mr Murphy said.
When the cable car is out of action, boats will be used to ferry Dursey folk on and off the island.
In the 1800s there were hundreds of people living on the island, but the population has dwindled to less than 10.
However, there are a number of holiday homes on the island — which is 6.5km long and 1.5km wide — and visitors swell the population at weekends and during the summer.
Paul Culleton, the council’s senior technician, has designed a more modern, comfortable and robust cable car.
It’s not just humans who will use it. Islanders have always insisted that the cable car be available to transport animals and since the service began many cattle have crossed over, dangling 219 metres over Dursey Sound.
"It was a dilemma to design a more comfortable cable car which still has to be robust enough to deal with animals," Mr Murphy said.
The cable car operates 365 days a year by local man Paddy Sheehan.
"We have trained up other people to operate the system when he’s away on holidays," Mr Murphy added.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The new e30,000 car will replace one that was set up in 1969 to provide Dursey Island’s population with an alternative to the sometimes treacherous boat crossing of the channel, which has extremely strong and dangerous currents.
Cork County Council had the cable car built by a firm in Limerick.
But as there was no company in this country capable of galvanising such a large object, it had to be sent to England.
It is now back in Dursey waiting to be installed.
Ted Murphy, a senior executive engineer with the county council, said good weather would be needed to complete the project.
"We hope to install it next month. We will be checking with Met Éireann to find a good weather window. It will take about a week because we will have to take the old one down," Mr Murphy said.
When the cable car is out of action, boats will be used to ferry Dursey folk on and off the island.
In the 1800s there were hundreds of people living on the island, but the population has dwindled to less than 10.
However, there are a number of holiday homes on the island — which is 6.5km long and 1.5km wide — and visitors swell the population at weekends and during the summer.
Paul Culleton, the council’s senior technician, has designed a more modern, comfortable and robust cable car.
It’s not just humans who will use it. Islanders have always insisted that the cable car be available to transport animals and since the service began many cattle have crossed over, dangling 219 metres over Dursey Sound.
"It was a dilemma to design a more comfortable cable car which still has to be robust enough to deal with animals," Mr Murphy said.
The cable car operates 365 days a year by local man Paddy Sheehan.
"We have trained up other people to operate the system when he’s away on holidays," Mr Murphy added.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Council will urge board to block incinerator
CORK County Council is to urge An Bord Pleanála to reject Indaver’s plans to build incinerators in Ringaskiddy capable of burning 300,000 tonnes per annum of municipal and hazardous waste.
Council officials have drafted a negative report on Indaver’s proposals, which will be given to the board on February 16.
County manager Martin Riordan said there were three main reasons why his officials thought the proposals inappropriate.
Mr Riordan said the location did not fit in with the County Development Plan. He also said incineration was not compatible with the council’s waste management strategy and the 300ft high chimney stacks would have a detrimental visual impact on the lower harbour.
As Cork Harbour For A Safe Environment (CHASE) campaigners sat quietly in the council chamber yesterday, they must have been pleased with the overwhelming support they got from the 40-plus councillors present. Only one, Cllr Kevin O’Keeffe (FF), openly supported incineration.
"The waste management strategy in this county is based on reduce, reuse and recycle principles. The 300ft high stack will spoil the view and we should reject it," Cllr John A Collins (FG) said.
Cllr John Mulvihill (Lab) said the overwhelming majority of people living in the lower harbour area were totally opposed the project. "I’d appeal to Minister John Gormley to stop this ridiculous carry-on. If it goes ahead we’ll be bringing in waste from all over the world."
Cllr Seamus McGrath (FF) also felt that if Indaver got permission the company would import waste from outside the country. "It would be catastrophic if it went ahead," he said.
Councillors decided that the minutes of the meeting would also be sent to An Bord Pleanála to show how strongly they were opposed to the project.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Council officials have drafted a negative report on Indaver’s proposals, which will be given to the board on February 16.
County manager Martin Riordan said there were three main reasons why his officials thought the proposals inappropriate.
Mr Riordan said the location did not fit in with the County Development Plan. He also said incineration was not compatible with the council’s waste management strategy and the 300ft high chimney stacks would have a detrimental visual impact on the lower harbour.
As Cork Harbour For A Safe Environment (CHASE) campaigners sat quietly in the council chamber yesterday, they must have been pleased with the overwhelming support they got from the 40-plus councillors present. Only one, Cllr Kevin O’Keeffe (FF), openly supported incineration.
"The waste management strategy in this county is based on reduce, reuse and recycle principles. The 300ft high stack will spoil the view and we should reject it," Cllr John A Collins (FG) said.
Cllr John Mulvihill (Lab) said the overwhelming majority of people living in the lower harbour area were totally opposed the project. "I’d appeal to Minister John Gormley to stop this ridiculous carry-on. If it goes ahead we’ll be bringing in waste from all over the world."
Cllr Seamus McGrath (FF) also felt that if Indaver got permission the company would import waste from outside the country. "It would be catastrophic if it went ahead," he said.
Councillors decided that the minutes of the meeting would also be sent to An Bord Pleanála to show how strongly they were opposed to the project.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 19 December 2008
Planning changes may ‘depopulate’ west Cork
PROTESTS are to be held next week by west Cork residents angered by planning changes they believe could lead to further population falls in parts of west Cork.
The proposed designation of coastal areas around Castletownbere, Bantry and Schull as one of seven scenic landscape areas in the county, is to be voted on by members of Cork County Council when they meet on Monday. The changes, which were first proposed in August, are among a number of amendments to Cork County Development Plan put forward by planning officials.
Michael O’Sullivan, Cork chairman of the Irish Rural Dwellers’ Association and chair of Beara Chamber of Commerce, said the move could mean children of families around the Beara, Mizen Head and Sheep’s Head communities being unable to get permission for houses in the future.
“But it’s about much more than planning,” said Mr O’Sullivan. “This could depopulate rural west Cork when we’re supposed to be trying to get people moving in rather than frightening them away.
“The planners are trying to get all the people living in towns and villages instead of rural communities.”
He said up to 200 people could travel to Monday’s meeting at Cork County Hall to show their opposition to the changes.
Cork County Council said the draft amendments have been out for public consultation since August and are still being discussed, with any decision to be made by council members.
Six other scenic landscape areas are proposed along the Blackwater and Lee rivers, Cork and Kinsale harbours, Gougane Barra and the Clonakilty estuary.
Council documents circulated to members propose facilitation of tourism and recreation, and a sustainable approach to new development, including housing, which respects the existing character, pattern and tradition of the areas.
Cllr Noel Harrington, mayor of County Cork and a Beara peninsula representative for Fine Gael, has previously voiced his support for the designation.
He said in September that it will make it easier for people looking to build one-off housing to secure planning permission, as long as their sites are deemed suitable.
However, Mr O’Sullivan said that such suitability is not defined and will still be open to the interpretation of council planners.
A council spokesperson said any future development would be assessed on the impact it might have on the landscape’s character and the main aim of the development plan amendments are to protect scenic areas.
Councillors are also meeting today to reach decision on whether to agree to other planning designation changes, and it is expected that the new development plan will be adopted at a meeting on January 9.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The proposed designation of coastal areas around Castletownbere, Bantry and Schull as one of seven scenic landscape areas in the county, is to be voted on by members of Cork County Council when they meet on Monday. The changes, which were first proposed in August, are among a number of amendments to Cork County Development Plan put forward by planning officials.
Michael O’Sullivan, Cork chairman of the Irish Rural Dwellers’ Association and chair of Beara Chamber of Commerce, said the move could mean children of families around the Beara, Mizen Head and Sheep’s Head communities being unable to get permission for houses in the future.
“But it’s about much more than planning,” said Mr O’Sullivan. “This could depopulate rural west Cork when we’re supposed to be trying to get people moving in rather than frightening them away.
“The planners are trying to get all the people living in towns and villages instead of rural communities.”
He said up to 200 people could travel to Monday’s meeting at Cork County Hall to show their opposition to the changes.
Cork County Council said the draft amendments have been out for public consultation since August and are still being discussed, with any decision to be made by council members.
Six other scenic landscape areas are proposed along the Blackwater and Lee rivers, Cork and Kinsale harbours, Gougane Barra and the Clonakilty estuary.
Council documents circulated to members propose facilitation of tourism and recreation, and a sustainable approach to new development, including housing, which respects the existing character, pattern and tradition of the areas.
Cllr Noel Harrington, mayor of County Cork and a Beara peninsula representative for Fine Gael, has previously voiced his support for the designation.
He said in September that it will make it easier for people looking to build one-off housing to secure planning permission, as long as their sites are deemed suitable.
However, Mr O’Sullivan said that such suitability is not defined and will still be open to the interpretation of council planners.
A council spokesperson said any future development would be assessed on the impact it might have on the landscape’s character and the main aim of the development plan amendments are to protect scenic areas.
Councillors are also meeting today to reach decision on whether to agree to other planning designation changes, and it is expected that the new development plan will be adopted at a meeting on January 9.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
Manor house set for conversion into €75m hotel
PLANS have been approved for a €75 million project near Mallow which will feature a 40-bed hotel, 18-hole golf course, 109 houses and 16 holiday homes.
Cork County Council members voted unanimously yesterday to adopt a material contravention of the county development plan, which will allow the land to be rezoned for the project.
Developers Magner Manor want to convert the Georgian-built Ballygiblin Manor at Cecilstown into a luxury hotel and spa.
The 18-hole golf course will contain an artificial lake and the developers also plan to provide driving bays and a golf academy on the site.
The council’s acting senior planner, Kevin Lynch, recommended the project as he said it had a number of positive elements, including refurbishing the old manor house which was built in 1720.
He said it would establish a flagship tourism project at Cecilstown, which is 13km north-west of Mallow.
The site, he added, was also in the disadvantaged CLÁR area.
The project will provide much-needed jobs during construction and after its completion.
An Taisce made a submission which stated that it was in favour of “suitable and sensitive” redevelopment of the old manor house, but added that it wasn’t in favour of the whole scale of the project, especially the number of residential homes.
This stance was criticised by a number of public representatives.
“It’s a hugely important project for north Cork. It is very ambitious in the current economic climate and we must do everything to support it,” Cllr Pat Buckley (FG) said.
“It will lead to a significant number of tourists coming into this area.”
Cllr Marian Murphy (FG) said she was very impressed by the plans.
“It is very similar to Muckross House in Killarney and it would be a shame if it wasn’t developed,” Cllr Murphy said.
Cllr Marie “The Shamrock” Murphy (FF) said the development would bring a jobs boost to the area, while Cllr Noel O’Connor (FG), who is chairman of Blackwater Tourism, said his organisation was totally behind it.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Cork County Council members voted unanimously yesterday to adopt a material contravention of the county development plan, which will allow the land to be rezoned for the project.
Developers Magner Manor want to convert the Georgian-built Ballygiblin Manor at Cecilstown into a luxury hotel and spa.
The 18-hole golf course will contain an artificial lake and the developers also plan to provide driving bays and a golf academy on the site.
The council’s acting senior planner, Kevin Lynch, recommended the project as he said it had a number of positive elements, including refurbishing the old manor house which was built in 1720.
He said it would establish a flagship tourism project at Cecilstown, which is 13km north-west of Mallow.
The site, he added, was also in the disadvantaged CLÁR area.
The project will provide much-needed jobs during construction and after its completion.
An Taisce made a submission which stated that it was in favour of “suitable and sensitive” redevelopment of the old manor house, but added that it wasn’t in favour of the whole scale of the project, especially the number of residential homes.
This stance was criticised by a number of public representatives.
“It’s a hugely important project for north Cork. It is very ambitious in the current economic climate and we must do everything to support it,” Cllr Pat Buckley (FG) said.
“It will lead to a significant number of tourists coming into this area.”
Cllr Marian Murphy (FG) said she was very impressed by the plans.
“It is very similar to Muckross House in Killarney and it would be a shame if it wasn’t developed,” Cllr Murphy said.
Cllr Marie “The Shamrock” Murphy (FF) said the development would bring a jobs boost to the area, while Cllr Noel O’Connor (FG), who is chairman of Blackwater Tourism, said his organisation was totally behind it.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Glanmire to get €6m upgrade for key road
CORK County Council is planning a significant road upgrade that will allow more than 1,200 homes to be built and provide a link to a new park-and-ride railway station.
Inferior roads in Glanmire were the main reason An Bord Pleanála quoted for refusing plans by O’Flynn Construction for a major housing development in the area.
However, those developments could be back on track as the local authority is to spend €6 million upgrading the road between the AIB bank in Glanmire and the former Ibis Hotel.
O’Flynn Construction wants to build 1,210 houses, offices and retail units at Ballinglanna and Dunkettle, adjacent to that existing road.
Council engineers say they hope to put the project out to tender in the next 12 months and have construction completed within a year of commencement.
Engineers are preparing to draw up detailed designs, and a number of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) will be needed for the project to proceed.
“Several small parcels of land will be required for road widening. It will be necessary to acquire and demolish two dwellings as well,” a county council spokesman said.
The local authority proposes to widen the 2km stretch of road, providing footpaths and cycle lanes on both sides of the road.
This will be done to make it easier for commuters to travel to and from the proposed railway station at Dunkettle. A new pedestrian bridge will also be built adjacent to the existing stone road bridge over the River Glashaboy, near the AIB bank.
However, it wasn’t all smiles when engineers released their report at a council meeting yesterday.
Glanmire-based Cllr John Gilroy (Lab) said he didn’t mind further housing development, but he said it shouldn’t take place without an overall traffic plan being implemented.
Cllr Gilroy said the old bridge in Glanmire village couldn’t facilitate the increase in traffic the O’Flynn Construction projects would generate.
“I can’t accept these proposals are in line with sustainable development. I understand an overall traffic management study is to be done in Glanmire next year. This should be put back until then,” Cllr Gilroy said.
Cllr Tomás Ryan (FG) agreed and said Glanmire was being squeezed with traffic as it was, without overloading the bridge.
County manager Martin Riordan said he was anxious to proceed. “We want to encourage people to use rail for transport. We should look at the benefit rail will have for Glanmire,” he said.
“We need the traffic study first. If Bord Pleanála hadn’t made a ruling against O’Flynn Construction this wouldn’t have been on the council’s agenda at all,” Cllr Gilroy replied.
“What builder is going to start building houses now when he won’t be able to sell for another five or six years. Let’s take our time and do it right,” said Cllr Gilroy.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Inferior roads in Glanmire were the main reason An Bord Pleanála quoted for refusing plans by O’Flynn Construction for a major housing development in the area.
However, those developments could be back on track as the local authority is to spend €6 million upgrading the road between the AIB bank in Glanmire and the former Ibis Hotel.
O’Flynn Construction wants to build 1,210 houses, offices and retail units at Ballinglanna and Dunkettle, adjacent to that existing road.
Council engineers say they hope to put the project out to tender in the next 12 months and have construction completed within a year of commencement.
Engineers are preparing to draw up detailed designs, and a number of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) will be needed for the project to proceed.
“Several small parcels of land will be required for road widening. It will be necessary to acquire and demolish two dwellings as well,” a county council spokesman said.
The local authority proposes to widen the 2km stretch of road, providing footpaths and cycle lanes on both sides of the road.
This will be done to make it easier for commuters to travel to and from the proposed railway station at Dunkettle. A new pedestrian bridge will also be built adjacent to the existing stone road bridge over the River Glashaboy, near the AIB bank.
However, it wasn’t all smiles when engineers released their report at a council meeting yesterday.
Glanmire-based Cllr John Gilroy (Lab) said he didn’t mind further housing development, but he said it shouldn’t take place without an overall traffic plan being implemented.
Cllr Gilroy said the old bridge in Glanmire village couldn’t facilitate the increase in traffic the O’Flynn Construction projects would generate.
“I can’t accept these proposals are in line with sustainable development. I understand an overall traffic management study is to be done in Glanmire next year. This should be put back until then,” Cllr Gilroy said.
Cllr Tomás Ryan (FG) agreed and said Glanmire was being squeezed with traffic as it was, without overloading the bridge.
County manager Martin Riordan said he was anxious to proceed. “We want to encourage people to use rail for transport. We should look at the benefit rail will have for Glanmire,” he said.
“We need the traffic study first. If Bord Pleanála hadn’t made a ruling against O’Flynn Construction this wouldn’t have been on the council’s agenda at all,” Cllr Gilroy replied.
“What builder is going to start building houses now when he won’t be able to sell for another five or six years. Let’s take our time and do it right,” said Cllr Gilroy.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 10 August 2008
Councillors put idea of new town to public
CORK COUNTY councillors have voted in favour of putting a proposal to the public to create a new town 12km (7.5 miles) northeast of Bandon which would in the long term provide for a community of 3,000 people.
Councillors put the Annaghmore proposal forward for public consultation in spite of Cork county manager Martin Riordan and county mayor Noel Harrington's misgivings.
Annaghmore is located on the N71 from Cork city to Bandon, Clonakilty and west Cork. The 200-hectare greenfield site is 17km (10.6 miles) southwest of Cork city.
The O'Flynn Construction proposal includes the building of 1,500 housing units, creating jobs for 460 local people in services, construction and enterprise. The developer says the settlement will include sport, leisure and recreational facilities, and provision will be made for schools, churches and other community services.
Mr Riordan said in his report to council members, however, that it was his belief that the new settlement proposed at Annaghmore was generally inconsistent with proper planning and the sustainable development of the county.
"Annaghmore will have an adverse impact on existing settlements and communities," Mr Riordan said.
The growth of the ring towns, particularly Kinsale and Bandon, would be significantly reduced below the levels proposed in the Cork Area Strategic Plan (Casp), and these towns would not realise their full economic and social potential.
"The proposal for Annaghmore will also have a strong negative impact on the future population and viability of the villages and rural areas that make up the Casp ring strategic planning area, particularly nearby villages like Halfway and Crossbarry," he added.
Mr Riordan said the proposal would not act as a "stepping stone" to assist the development of west Cork but would compete with the balanced development of existing towns in the county.
He also said one of the principal effects on west Cork would be increased congestion on the Cork to Bandon section of the N71.
However, supporters of the project say Annaghmore would assist in a new strategy to meet the projected housing needs of the Cork area.
Both the developers and the supporting councillors say Annaghmore could assist in the plan to develop nearby Clonakilty as a strategic employment centre to serve west Cork.
Joe Carroll (FF) told members of the chamber that he was in favour of the project on the basis of the possibility that it would initiate a new road network in the area.
Kevin O'Keeffe (FF) maintained it was important to at least give the public a chance to access the proposals before further decisions were made.
Residents of the surrounding areas who attended the council meeting yesterday had a range of concerns, one of which was the risk of flooding.
Annaghmore in the original Irish means "big bog" and the Ordnance Survey map for the area contains the inscription "liable to flood".
As there is no rail link to the area, opponents also feel the proposed development is likely to cause serious traffic congestion.
After two hours of debate on the matter, councillors voted 23-13 in favour of putting the proposal forward for public consultation.
The proposals will be made public in the coming weeks with a further vote likely to be held at Cork County Hall in October.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Councillors put the Annaghmore proposal forward for public consultation in spite of Cork county manager Martin Riordan and county mayor Noel Harrington's misgivings.
Annaghmore is located on the N71 from Cork city to Bandon, Clonakilty and west Cork. The 200-hectare greenfield site is 17km (10.6 miles) southwest of Cork city.
The O'Flynn Construction proposal includes the building of 1,500 housing units, creating jobs for 460 local people in services, construction and enterprise. The developer says the settlement will include sport, leisure and recreational facilities, and provision will be made for schools, churches and other community services.
Mr Riordan said in his report to council members, however, that it was his belief that the new settlement proposed at Annaghmore was generally inconsistent with proper planning and the sustainable development of the county.
"Annaghmore will have an adverse impact on existing settlements and communities," Mr Riordan said.
The growth of the ring towns, particularly Kinsale and Bandon, would be significantly reduced below the levels proposed in the Cork Area Strategic Plan (Casp), and these towns would not realise their full economic and social potential.
"The proposal for Annaghmore will also have a strong negative impact on the future population and viability of the villages and rural areas that make up the Casp ring strategic planning area, particularly nearby villages like Halfway and Crossbarry," he added.
Mr Riordan said the proposal would not act as a "stepping stone" to assist the development of west Cork but would compete with the balanced development of existing towns in the county.
He also said one of the principal effects on west Cork would be increased congestion on the Cork to Bandon section of the N71.
However, supporters of the project say Annaghmore would assist in a new strategy to meet the projected housing needs of the Cork area.
Both the developers and the supporting councillors say Annaghmore could assist in the plan to develop nearby Clonakilty as a strategic employment centre to serve west Cork.
Joe Carroll (FF) told members of the chamber that he was in favour of the project on the basis of the possibility that it would initiate a new road network in the area.
Kevin O'Keeffe (FF) maintained it was important to at least give the public a chance to access the proposals before further decisions were made.
Residents of the surrounding areas who attended the council meeting yesterday had a range of concerns, one of which was the risk of flooding.
Annaghmore in the original Irish means "big bog" and the Ordnance Survey map for the area contains the inscription "liable to flood".
As there is no rail link to the area, opponents also feel the proposed development is likely to cause serious traffic congestion.
After two hours of debate on the matter, councillors voted 23-13 in favour of putting the proposal forward for public consultation.
The proposals will be made public in the coming weeks with a further vote likely to be held at Cork County Hall in October.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Aldi gets go-ahead to build €100m facility in Co Cork
GERMAN discount supermarket chain Aldi has been granted planning permission for a €100 million regional distribution centre in County Cork, which will create up to 160 jobs.
Cork County Council granted planning permission yesterday for the distribution centre at Mitchelstown, which will service Aldi stores in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.
A total of 120 jobs will be created in the massive warehouse and distribution centre, with the remaining 20 being filled in offices.
The distribution centre is to be built adjacent to the town’s western relief road on a 32-acre site which Aldi purchased from Dairygold.
County council planning officials attached a total of 72 conditions to the project.
One of the conditions is that Aldi will have to pay a development contribution of €5,602,275 to Cork Co Council.
The money will be used by the local authority for infrastructural developments in the area, including improvements to roads, water, sewerage and public lighting works.
Aldi will demolish a disused grain silo on the site to make way for the warehouses.
The 59,535 square metre development will incorporate a 43,655sqm warehouse and an 11,508sqm chilled warehouse. It will also include a two-storey, 3,636sqm office complex linked to the warehouse complex with ancillary buildings.
Aldi had looked at sites in Nenagh, Co Tipperary and Limerick, but decided that Mitchelstown was the most suitable because of its road network and available skilled workforce.
Aldi started operations in Ireland in 1999 and has more than 50 stores here. It has over 5,000 stores worldwide, and a workforce of tens of thousands.
Mitchelstown-based county councillor Liam O’Doherty welcomed the news: “This is a major boost to Mitchelstown, a town which has suffered severely from jobs losses in recent years.”
Cllr O’Doherty said Aldi were coming to Mitchelstown “off their own bat”, and hadn’t been enticed by Government grant aid.
“We’re hoping now that other big name companies will follow suit,” he said.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Cork County Council granted planning permission yesterday for the distribution centre at Mitchelstown, which will service Aldi stores in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.
A total of 120 jobs will be created in the massive warehouse and distribution centre, with the remaining 20 being filled in offices.
The distribution centre is to be built adjacent to the town’s western relief road on a 32-acre site which Aldi purchased from Dairygold.
County council planning officials attached a total of 72 conditions to the project.
One of the conditions is that Aldi will have to pay a development contribution of €5,602,275 to Cork Co Council.
The money will be used by the local authority for infrastructural developments in the area, including improvements to roads, water, sewerage and public lighting works.
Aldi will demolish a disused grain silo on the site to make way for the warehouses.
The 59,535 square metre development will incorporate a 43,655sqm warehouse and an 11,508sqm chilled warehouse. It will also include a two-storey, 3,636sqm office complex linked to the warehouse complex with ancillary buildings.
Aldi had looked at sites in Nenagh, Co Tipperary and Limerick, but decided that Mitchelstown was the most suitable because of its road network and available skilled workforce.
Aldi started operations in Ireland in 1999 and has more than 50 stores here. It has over 5,000 stores worldwide, and a workforce of tens of thousands.
Mitchelstown-based county councillor Liam O’Doherty welcomed the news: “This is a major boost to Mitchelstown, a town which has suffered severely from jobs losses in recent years.”
Cllr O’Doherty said Aldi were coming to Mitchelstown “off their own bat”, and hadn’t been enticed by Government grant aid.
“We’re hoping now that other big name companies will follow suit,” he said.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 17 April 2008
Planning board overturns council decision on private hospital
AN BÓRD PLEANÁLA overturned a county council decision yesterday and refused planning permission for a €110 million private medical clinic in Cork’s green belt.
Sheehan Medical, which operates the Blackrock Clinic in Dublin, was granted permission by Cork County Council last May to build its Cork Medical Clinic on a 5.2 hectare site at Garranedarragh, off the Bandon Road in Bishopstown.
The 80-bed hospital, which included an Enable Ireland training facility on its campus, was to employ 400 people.
But the board shot it down on four grounds yesterday. It said the project would be in an area zoned A1 Green Belt, which is awarded the “highest degree of protection” in the 2003 County Development Plan.
“It is the policy of the planning authority to resist the loss of these green belt lands to development which could otherwise be located within zoned lands except in rare and unforeseen circumstances,” the ruling said.
It said the proposed development, by reason of its proposed use and its excessive scale, would not qualify as an exceptional circumstance, would result in extensive development on a prominent, elevated ridge which forms an important part of the visual setting for Cork city, would fail to maintain the function of the greenbelt and would represent a visually obtrusive feature on the landscape.
The board highlighted the lack of public transport to the site and said the hospital would be almost entirely car-dependent.
It said it was not satisfied that adequate provision had been made to secure a proper water supply and sewerage facilities.
It said also it was not satisfied that proposed road upgrades were advanced enough to prevent traffic congestion.
James Sheehan, a director of Sheehan Medical, said he was shocked by the decision.
“We worked closely with the county council on this project. We thought we had all our i’s dotted and t’s crossed,” he said.
“We examined and analysed about a dozen sites and thought we had the right one. But now the green belt issue has come into play. I don’t understand the discrepancy between the two planning authorities.”
The project was in an advanced state with contractors appointed and ready to start work. Mr Sheehan said he was waiting for details of the board’s decision before making a decision on the next move.
Meanwhile, five appeals, including a joint appeal from Green Party Senator Dan Boyle and Green Councillor Chris O’Leary, have been lodged with the board against a decision to grant planning permission to a private co-located hospital on the grounds of Cork University Hospital.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Sheehan Medical, which operates the Blackrock Clinic in Dublin, was granted permission by Cork County Council last May to build its Cork Medical Clinic on a 5.2 hectare site at Garranedarragh, off the Bandon Road in Bishopstown.
The 80-bed hospital, which included an Enable Ireland training facility on its campus, was to employ 400 people.
But the board shot it down on four grounds yesterday. It said the project would be in an area zoned A1 Green Belt, which is awarded the “highest degree of protection” in the 2003 County Development Plan.
“It is the policy of the planning authority to resist the loss of these green belt lands to development which could otherwise be located within zoned lands except in rare and unforeseen circumstances,” the ruling said.
It said the proposed development, by reason of its proposed use and its excessive scale, would not qualify as an exceptional circumstance, would result in extensive development on a prominent, elevated ridge which forms an important part of the visual setting for Cork city, would fail to maintain the function of the greenbelt and would represent a visually obtrusive feature on the landscape.
The board highlighted the lack of public transport to the site and said the hospital would be almost entirely car-dependent.
It said it was not satisfied that adequate provision had been made to secure a proper water supply and sewerage facilities.
It said also it was not satisfied that proposed road upgrades were advanced enough to prevent traffic congestion.
James Sheehan, a director of Sheehan Medical, said he was shocked by the decision.
“We worked closely with the county council on this project. We thought we had all our i’s dotted and t’s crossed,” he said.
“We examined and analysed about a dozen sites and thought we had the right one. But now the green belt issue has come into play. I don’t understand the discrepancy between the two planning authorities.”
The project was in an advanced state with contractors appointed and ready to start work. Mr Sheehan said he was waiting for details of the board’s decision before making a decision on the next move.
Meanwhile, five appeals, including a joint appeal from Green Party Senator Dan Boyle and Green Councillor Chris O’Leary, have been lodged with the board against a decision to grant planning permission to a private co-located hospital on the grounds of Cork University Hospital.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Developer needs planning permission to land helicopter
AN BORD PLEANÁLA has ruled that a property developer needs planning permission to land a helicopter on land near his home.
Michael O’Flynn, the managing director of O’Flynn Construction, referred the matter to the board after Cork County Council said, in 2007, that the use of a piece of land at his home in Kilcrea, near Ovens, Co Cork, for helicopter landings was development and was not exempted development.
Exempted development does not require planning permission.
Mr O’Flynn sought a ruling from the board as to whether the use of land for the landing and take-off of a helicopter on the grounds of his home at Rockfield House in Kilcrea “is or is not development, or is or is not exempted development”.
The matter was listed for decision on several dates in recent months but was deferred.
The board finally ruled on Thursday that the use of lands for the landing and take-off of a helicopter constitutes a material change of use of the land by reference to section 3 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 and, therefore, comes within the meaning of “development”.
The board said the normal use of the subject lands is for use which is incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house.
It said a change in the use of the subject lands occurs for the time that a helicopter approaches, lands and takes off.
The use of lands for the taking off and landing of a helicopter is not a normal use of the lands at this location and is not consistent with the established use of the site, the board said.
It said the character of the use of the lands would be altered in planning terms by the proposed use for helicopter landings and take-off.
Taking these matters into consideration, the board said the works to create the said helipad and the said use of the land does not come within the scope of section 4 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 — the section that defines exempted developments.
The board decided the use of land for the landing and take-off of a helicopter at Rockfield House is development and is not exempted development.
Mr O’Flynn applied to Cork Co Council in January for planning permission to build a helipad at his home.
The council has sought further information in respect of the application and a decision is awaited.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Michael O’Flynn, the managing director of O’Flynn Construction, referred the matter to the board after Cork County Council said, in 2007, that the use of a piece of land at his home in Kilcrea, near Ovens, Co Cork, for helicopter landings was development and was not exempted development.
Exempted development does not require planning permission.
Mr O’Flynn sought a ruling from the board as to whether the use of land for the landing and take-off of a helicopter on the grounds of his home at Rockfield House in Kilcrea “is or is not development, or is or is not exempted development”.
The matter was listed for decision on several dates in recent months but was deferred.
The board finally ruled on Thursday that the use of lands for the landing and take-off of a helicopter constitutes a material change of use of the land by reference to section 3 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 and, therefore, comes within the meaning of “development”.
The board said the normal use of the subject lands is for use which is incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house.
It said a change in the use of the subject lands occurs for the time that a helicopter approaches, lands and takes off.
The use of lands for the taking off and landing of a helicopter is not a normal use of the lands at this location and is not consistent with the established use of the site, the board said.
It said the character of the use of the lands would be altered in planning terms by the proposed use for helicopter landings and take-off.
Taking these matters into consideration, the board said the works to create the said helipad and the said use of the land does not come within the scope of section 4 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 — the section that defines exempted developments.
The board decided the use of land for the landing and take-off of a helicopter at Rockfield House is development and is not exempted development.
Mr O’Flynn applied to Cork Co Council in January for planning permission to build a helipad at his home.
The council has sought further information in respect of the application and a decision is awaited.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 23 February 2008
Council to discipline official over land sale
Cork County Council has begun disciplinary proceedings against a council official following an inquiry into a controversial land sale in north Cork in which the council negotiated to buy land for €11.6 million that had earlier been on sale for €8 million.
The council yesterday confirmed it had completed an internal inquiry into its planned purchase of 20 acres of land zoned for housing at Deerpark, off the Limerick Road in Charleville, north Cork, for €11.6 million in April 2006.
In a statement it said: "A disciplinary process has now commenced into the conduct of an official and a statement is being prepared for An Garda Síochána. It is anticipated that the disciplinary process will take in the order of three months to complete."
The council decided in May 2006 not to proceed with the purchase, leading the vendors, Brian Cremin and Denis O'Reilly, to sue the council. A settlement was reached in the commercial court of the High Court, under which the council bought the land for €9.75 million rather than the purchase price of €11.6 million.
Yesterday the council confirmed its internal inquiry has continued since the court settlement and "a comprehensive and in-depth investigation" had been completed.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The council yesterday confirmed it had completed an internal inquiry into its planned purchase of 20 acres of land zoned for housing at Deerpark, off the Limerick Road in Charleville, north Cork, for €11.6 million in April 2006.
In a statement it said: "A disciplinary process has now commenced into the conduct of an official and a statement is being prepared for An Garda Síochána. It is anticipated that the disciplinary process will take in the order of three months to complete."
The council decided in May 2006 not to proceed with the purchase, leading the vendors, Brian Cremin and Denis O'Reilly, to sue the council. A settlement was reached in the commercial court of the High Court, under which the council bought the land for €9.75 million rather than the purchase price of €11.6 million.
Yesterday the council confirmed its internal inquiry has continued since the court settlement and "a comprehensive and in-depth investigation" had been completed.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Traffic concerns over planfor Cork container facility
A senior council planner has expressed concern that the proposed move by the Port of Cork of its container terminal from Tivoli to Ringaskiddy farther down Cork Harbour should not take place before a major upgrading of the road network.
Cork County Council acting senior planner Noel Sheridan raised the issue of upgrading the N28 for extra container traffic to Ringaskiddy in a report prepared for Cork county manager Martin Riordan, presented to this week's council meeting.
The proposal to transfer the container terminal from Tivoli in the upper reaches of Cork Harbour to the Oyster Bank in Ringaskiddy is part of a €160 million plan to transfer all Port of Cork operations downstream.
In his report Mr Sheridan said the planned move was consistent with strategic planning for the Cork region, and the land use and zoning objectives for land at Ringaskiddy.
However, he said the development should not become operational without the planned upgrading of the N28 to dual-carriageway status to take the extra traffic.
The Port of Cork has applied to An Bord Pleanála to relocate its container terminal and its roll-on, roll-off facility from Tivoli downstream to Ringaskiddy.
The new facility will cover 37 hectares, including 18 hectares of reclaimed land. It will involve the dredging of the sea bed to a depth of 13.5m, the creation of almost 800m of quay wall, and the installation of container cranes 80m high.
According to figures provided by the Port of Cork, the port has the second largest volume of trade in the Republic. The move is necessary as Tivoli has limited capacity, which is likely to be reached by 2010/2011.
Among the constraints at Tivoli are limited vessel size and vessel numbers, tidal restrictions on larger vessels, poor road access and a trend towards bigger container vessels which Tivoli cannot handle.
The master plan for the Port of Cork envisages the full development of all port activities at Ringaskiddy by 2026. However, this would see a major increase in heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), which would rise from 15 per cent of traffic in 2011 to 53 per cent by 2026.
Mr Sheridan said the traffic volumes were such that upgrading the N28 to dual-carriageway was required, which would also bypass Ringaskiddy and Shanbally.
He noted that the National Roads Authority (NRA) had given no timescale for such upgrading.
"It would not be logical to allow the port development proceed without certainty that the planned upgrade of the N28 will take place," said Mr Sheridan, adding that an environmental impact study (EIS) submitted by the Port of Cork noted the possibility even after upgrading of delays at the Jack Lynch Tunnel.
The Port of Cork has plans to make Ringaskiddy a European hub port with the capacity to handle 600,000 to 800,000 containers. However, the proposal has met with opposition from local residents and a number of groups in the lower harbour area.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Cork County Council acting senior planner Noel Sheridan raised the issue of upgrading the N28 for extra container traffic to Ringaskiddy in a report prepared for Cork county manager Martin Riordan, presented to this week's council meeting.
The proposal to transfer the container terminal from Tivoli in the upper reaches of Cork Harbour to the Oyster Bank in Ringaskiddy is part of a €160 million plan to transfer all Port of Cork operations downstream.
In his report Mr Sheridan said the planned move was consistent with strategic planning for the Cork region, and the land use and zoning objectives for land at Ringaskiddy.
However, he said the development should not become operational without the planned upgrading of the N28 to dual-carriageway status to take the extra traffic.
The Port of Cork has applied to An Bord Pleanála to relocate its container terminal and its roll-on, roll-off facility from Tivoli downstream to Ringaskiddy.
The new facility will cover 37 hectares, including 18 hectares of reclaimed land. It will involve the dredging of the sea bed to a depth of 13.5m, the creation of almost 800m of quay wall, and the installation of container cranes 80m high.
According to figures provided by the Port of Cork, the port has the second largest volume of trade in the Republic. The move is necessary as Tivoli has limited capacity, which is likely to be reached by 2010/2011.
Among the constraints at Tivoli are limited vessel size and vessel numbers, tidal restrictions on larger vessels, poor road access and a trend towards bigger container vessels which Tivoli cannot handle.
The master plan for the Port of Cork envisages the full development of all port activities at Ringaskiddy by 2026. However, this would see a major increase in heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), which would rise from 15 per cent of traffic in 2011 to 53 per cent by 2026.
Mr Sheridan said the traffic volumes were such that upgrading the N28 to dual-carriageway was required, which would also bypass Ringaskiddy and Shanbally.
He noted that the National Roads Authority (NRA) had given no timescale for such upgrading.
"It would not be logical to allow the port development proceed without certainty that the planned upgrade of the N28 will take place," said Mr Sheridan, adding that an environmental impact study (EIS) submitted by the Port of Cork noted the possibility even after upgrading of delays at the Jack Lynch Tunnel.
The Port of Cork has plans to make Ringaskiddy a European hub port with the capacity to handle 600,000 to 800,000 containers. However, the proposal has met with opposition from local residents and a number of groups in the lower harbour area.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 17 January 2008
21 apartments planned athotel in west Cork
Hanratty Holdings is seeking planning permission from Cork County Council to build a development at the Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff, Co Cork which is a protected structure. The company is proposing a four-storey block of 21 apartments attached to the eastern end of the hotel. This will involve the demolition of 24 hotel bedrooms and a bar at ground floor level. There is also a proposal to convert and change the use of the single storey at the rear of the hotel from a function room to a leisure centre.
In 1997 a proposal by Glengarriff Demesne Ltd to build the first four houses of a proposed holiday village in woodland behind the Eccles Hotel was refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanála on foot of an appeal by An Taisce. The board's planning inspector said at the time that there was also a "basic and inherent conflict" between protection of the woodland and the holiday home zoning.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
In 1997 a proposal by Glengarriff Demesne Ltd to build the first four houses of a proposed holiday village in woodland behind the Eccles Hotel was refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanála on foot of an appeal by An Taisce. The board's planning inspector said at the time that there was also a "basic and inherent conflict" between protection of the woodland and the holiday home zoning.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
900 homes to undergo tests for potentially lethal gas
TESTS for a potentially lethal gas that can cause cancer are to be carried out on almost 900 homes in Co. Cork.
County manager Martin Riordan confirmed yesterday that the county council, in conjunction with the Radiological Protection Institute, intends to check local authority houses in the north Cork region for radon gas.
The pilot scheme will focus specifically on north Cork as parts of the region were identified by the institute as having potentially high levels of the gas.
The serious threat posed by radon gas came to light recently when it emerged that staff working in The Corkman newspaper office in Mallow had been exposed to very high levels of radiation from the gas.
Mr Riordan said a programme for the works was currently being arranged by county council staff and he was confident testing would begin soon.
The council is to purchase €30,000 of testing equipment.
The local authority owns a total of 1,924 houses in the region, but is initially going to test 893 homes in areas which the institute has deemed to be at greater risk.
The county manager said if any houses were found to have dangerous levels of the gas, steps would be immediately taken to rectify the problem.
“Have no doubt that any houses that need to be protected will be,” Mr Riordan told councillors at a meeting in County Hall. Tests will continue over a six-month period.
Once testing has been completed in north Cork, it is likely that the scheme will be extended to other parts of the county identified by the institute as having potential problems.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
County manager Martin Riordan confirmed yesterday that the county council, in conjunction with the Radiological Protection Institute, intends to check local authority houses in the north Cork region for radon gas.
The pilot scheme will focus specifically on north Cork as parts of the region were identified by the institute as having potentially high levels of the gas.
The serious threat posed by radon gas came to light recently when it emerged that staff working in The Corkman newspaper office in Mallow had been exposed to very high levels of radiation from the gas.
Mr Riordan said a programme for the works was currently being arranged by county council staff and he was confident testing would begin soon.
The council is to purchase €30,000 of testing equipment.
The local authority owns a total of 1,924 houses in the region, but is initially going to test 893 homes in areas which the institute has deemed to be at greater risk.
The county manager said if any houses were found to have dangerous levels of the gas, steps would be immediately taken to rectify the problem.
“Have no doubt that any houses that need to be protected will be,” Mr Riordan told councillors at a meeting in County Hall. Tests will continue over a six-month period.
Once testing has been completed in north Cork, it is likely that the scheme will be extended to other parts of the county identified by the institute as having potential problems.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 18 November 2007
€875m housing plan rejected
PROPOSALS for the largest single housing development outside of Dublin, estimated to be worth €875 million, have been turned down by local authority planners.
Cork County Council revealed yesterday that its planning officials rejected a 2,500-house development at Stoneview, Blarney, which was proposed by Fleming Construction and Coleman Brothers Ltd.
The council said that the development would be premature because of a deficiency in water supplies and sewerage treatment.
Officials stated that there was a deficiency in the area in road infrastructure, which rendered the current network unsuitable for traffic.
Planning officials said they considered the project to be “substandard” because of the lack of suitable open space and inadequate parking.
Planners also said that the project would “seriously injure the amenities of the area” and would be contrary to proper and sustainable development.
The companies involved initially applied for infrastructure improvements, which they were granted. But this was appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
As the planning appeals board had not made its decision, Cllr John Gilroy said it would be impossible for the council to grant permission for the houses.
“It would be bizarre for the council to grant permission for 2,500 houses and then find that An Bord Pleanála refused the infrastructure,” said Mr Gilroy.
He said he thought it “peculiar” that the developers took such a risk.
“Overall, I am generally supportive of the project, but there are some aspects that I have concerns about. These are the provision of schools and the location of amenities as well as the apparent lack of progress on the provision of a railway station on which the entire project was based on.”
A spokesman for the developers said that they would appeal the latest decision by Cork County Council to An Bord Pleanála.
He said: “The developers are very confident of a positive outcome.”
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Cork County Council revealed yesterday that its planning officials rejected a 2,500-house development at Stoneview, Blarney, which was proposed by Fleming Construction and Coleman Brothers Ltd.
The council said that the development would be premature because of a deficiency in water supplies and sewerage treatment.
Officials stated that there was a deficiency in the area in road infrastructure, which rendered the current network unsuitable for traffic.
Planning officials said they considered the project to be “substandard” because of the lack of suitable open space and inadequate parking.
Planners also said that the project would “seriously injure the amenities of the area” and would be contrary to proper and sustainable development.
The companies involved initially applied for infrastructure improvements, which they were granted. But this was appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
As the planning appeals board had not made its decision, Cllr John Gilroy said it would be impossible for the council to grant permission for the houses.
“It would be bizarre for the council to grant permission for 2,500 houses and then find that An Bord Pleanála refused the infrastructure,” said Mr Gilroy.
He said he thought it “peculiar” that the developers took such a risk.
“Overall, I am generally supportive of the project, but there are some aspects that I have concerns about. These are the provision of schools and the location of amenities as well as the apparent lack of progress on the provision of a railway station on which the entire project was based on.”
A spokesman for the developers said that they would appeal the latest decision by Cork County Council to An Bord Pleanála.
He said: “The developers are very confident of a positive outcome.”
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 11 June 2007
Mapping the Wild Spaces of County Cork
Cork County Council - with the support of the Heritage Council - has recently embarked upon a project to carry out a survey of the wild habitats of the county.
County Cork hosts a broad diversity of natural and semi-natural habitats, reflecting its geographical position on the southern coast of the country - its geology dominated by sandstone ridges and limestone valley floors and the influence of the people who have settled here. These habitats include coastal habitats, lakes, rivers and other wetlands, grasslands hedgerows and woodlands.
However, the information relating to such habitats is scant and some habitats and wild plant, bird and other animal species are coming under increasing pressure arising from development and other human activity. The need to identify and collect information on local areas of wildlife value has been identified to be a priority area of work in the County Heritage Plan. It is envisaged that the information which will be generated by the mapping project will be used to identify previously unknown areas of wildlife value in the County and to give us an understanding of how these areas are faring in the 21st Century.
This is the first year of the project and habitat survey work is currently underway in the Carrigaline Electoral Area. It is planned to expand the project over the coming years to create a habitat map for the entire County.
"Surveyors will be out and about over the summer months - collecting information along the western shore of Cork Harbour in an area extending from Carrigaline to Ballincollig. They may be seeking permission to access private land for survey purposes and public support and assistance in this regard would be much appreciated" - said Sharon Casey, County Heritage Officer.
"As the pace of change is accelerating, there is greater pressure on our natural heritage -now, more than ever before. There exists a real challenge to find ways to balance the need for change with the desire for protection. By increasing our understanding of the status of our wild plants, animals and spaces, we will better be able to provide for their protection and to plan for change in a sensitive manner which respects the surrounding natural environment" - she added.
For further information on this project, contact - Sharon Casey, Cork County Council - Tel: 021 4818000.
County Cork hosts a broad diversity of natural and semi-natural habitats, reflecting its geographical position on the southern coast of the country - its geology dominated by sandstone ridges and limestone valley floors and the influence of the people who have settled here. These habitats include coastal habitats, lakes, rivers and other wetlands, grasslands hedgerows and woodlands.
However, the information relating to such habitats is scant and some habitats and wild plant, bird and other animal species are coming under increasing pressure arising from development and other human activity. The need to identify and collect information on local areas of wildlife value has been identified to be a priority area of work in the County Heritage Plan. It is envisaged that the information which will be generated by the mapping project will be used to identify previously unknown areas of wildlife value in the County and to give us an understanding of how these areas are faring in the 21st Century.
This is the first year of the project and habitat survey work is currently underway in the Carrigaline Electoral Area. It is planned to expand the project over the coming years to create a habitat map for the entire County.
"Surveyors will be out and about over the summer months - collecting information along the western shore of Cork Harbour in an area extending from Carrigaline to Ballincollig. They may be seeking permission to access private land for survey purposes and public support and assistance in this regard would be much appreciated" - said Sharon Casey, County Heritage Officer.
"As the pace of change is accelerating, there is greater pressure on our natural heritage -now, more than ever before. There exists a real challenge to find ways to balance the need for change with the desire for protection. By increasing our understanding of the status of our wild plants, animals and spaces, we will better be able to provide for their protection and to plan for change in a sensitive manner which respects the surrounding natural environment" - she added.
For further information on this project, contact - Sharon Casey, Cork County Council - Tel: 021 4818000.
Sunday, 27 May 2007
150 protest over housing development
Close to 150 people attended a protest meeting in a small town in Co Cork yesterday aimed at stopping a planned housing development which villagers claim will inhibit future expansion of their national school.
Members of Cloughduv National School Parents' Association say that the school, which was opened in 1995, will be turned into a "prefab slum" if developer Owen O'Callaghan is allowed to go ahead with plans to construct 120 houses around the facility.
The chairwoman of Cloughduv NS, Dr Mary Groarke, insists the land surrounding the primary school should never have been zoned for residential development as it will be needed for continued expansion of the school.
The school has 159 pupils at present but Dr Groarke says that projected population growth in the area means that in a few years up to 2½ times that number could be enrolled.
She says that the school needs room to expand in order to avert a crisis in the provision of educational services in Cloughduv in future years.
"This school was a treasure that we fought hard to get. We don't want to end up with oversized classes, no play area and multiple prefabricated buildings," she said. Local people also wanted to ensure that their national school did not become "yet another symptom of a malfunctioning planning policy".
Dr Groarke points out that while the developer has to adhere to certain stipulations regarding water, sewerage, road infrastructure, local amenities and green areas, no obligations are in place to secure the educational facilities to service such new housing developments.
Last month, Cork County Council gave planning permission to Mr O'Callaghan when he modified his development after the council had received 56 objections to the application from parents, teachers, the school board of management, GPs and the local parish priest.
Villagers are adamant that the housing development will prevent the national school from being able to expand to meet the educational needs of Cloughduv's growing population.
Members of the parents' association say there are a number of developments at the planning application and appeal stage in Cloughduv and in the surrounding areas which will almost treble the number of schoolgoing children to 500 in the next 5-8 years.
A spokesman for Mr O'Callaghan said yesterday that the housing development was at an advanced stage of planning and it would be inappropriate to comment on the matter.
Olivia Kelleher
© 2007 The Irish Times
Members of Cloughduv National School Parents' Association say that the school, which was opened in 1995, will be turned into a "prefab slum" if developer Owen O'Callaghan is allowed to go ahead with plans to construct 120 houses around the facility.
The chairwoman of Cloughduv NS, Dr Mary Groarke, insists the land surrounding the primary school should never have been zoned for residential development as it will be needed for continued expansion of the school.
The school has 159 pupils at present but Dr Groarke says that projected population growth in the area means that in a few years up to 2½ times that number could be enrolled.
She says that the school needs room to expand in order to avert a crisis in the provision of educational services in Cloughduv in future years.
"This school was a treasure that we fought hard to get. We don't want to end up with oversized classes, no play area and multiple prefabricated buildings," she said. Local people also wanted to ensure that their national school did not become "yet another symptom of a malfunctioning planning policy".
Dr Groarke points out that while the developer has to adhere to certain stipulations regarding water, sewerage, road infrastructure, local amenities and green areas, no obligations are in place to secure the educational facilities to service such new housing developments.
Last month, Cork County Council gave planning permission to Mr O'Callaghan when he modified his development after the council had received 56 objections to the application from parents, teachers, the school board of management, GPs and the local parish priest.
Villagers are adamant that the housing development will prevent the national school from being able to expand to meet the educational needs of Cloughduv's growing population.
Members of the parents' association say there are a number of developments at the planning application and appeal stage in Cloughduv and in the surrounding areas which will almost treble the number of schoolgoing children to 500 in the next 5-8 years.
A spokesman for Mr O'Callaghan said yesterday that the housing development was at an advanced stage of planning and it would be inappropriate to comment on the matter.
Olivia Kelleher
© 2007 The Irish Times
Monday, 14 May 2007
Carrigaline calls for a 10-year halt to the rezoning of land for houses
ONE of the country’s fastest growing towns has called for a 10-year ban on rezoning land for more houses.
The people of Carrigaline — reputedly the country’s number one commuter town — want Cork County Council to hold off on the rezoning of further land in the area until 2016 so that proper roads and amenities can be put in place.
When currently zoned lands are occupied — including a 1,000-house development at Shannonpark and a 1,500-house development on the eastern side of town — its population will swell from 16,000 to 25,000.
The results of a massive survey of over 1,200 households show that people want a halt to what the community association has labelled ‘rampant developer-led growth’.
The results show that:
96% of people want a ban on rezoning until 2016 so that the provision of proper amenities catches up.
More that half the people think the town’s Western Relief Road is in the wrong place.
Almost three-quarters of people think the town needs another Eastern Relief Road.
94% of people think Carrigaline needs a dedicated planner working exclusively on the town’s issues.
Only 38% of people use public transport but almost 90% of respondents said they would use a light rail system to the city if it was provided.
Almost 3,000 questionnaires were distributed by Carrigaline Community Association last month, with over 1,200 returned. People were asked about a range of issues including planning, traffic, education, sport, transport and youth facilities.
The results highlighted the stark lack of facilities in the town which has no cinema, indoor sports complex, public swimming pool or cultural centre.
While the county council is working on some issues, the community association said that housing development has far outpaced the provision of adequate infrastructure.
Association spokesman Maurice Coveney, who was born in the town in 1939, said the town’s future should be decided by the people living there and not by developers.
“We will be making the county council aware of the preliminary results of the survey within a few days,” he said. “But we have a lot of work to do yet — examining some of the comments which came back in the survey. The section on sports facilities alone attracted over 500 comments.”
Work is expected to be completed within a month at which time the full results of the survey will be published and placed in the town’s library.
In 2002, CSO census figures showed the town had the highest proportion of workers commuting to work by car every day.
At 74%, Carrigaline topped the nation’s list followed by Dunboyne (70%), Tramore (67%) and Naas (65%).
Meanwhile, a study aimed at tackling traffic chaos in and around the town is continuing.
The Carrigaline Transportation and Traffic Study will outline a plan to cope with traffic and transport up to 2020 and it is expected to be completed within weeks.
Irish Examiner
The people of Carrigaline — reputedly the country’s number one commuter town — want Cork County Council to hold off on the rezoning of further land in the area until 2016 so that proper roads and amenities can be put in place.
When currently zoned lands are occupied — including a 1,000-house development at Shannonpark and a 1,500-house development on the eastern side of town — its population will swell from 16,000 to 25,000.
The results of a massive survey of over 1,200 households show that people want a halt to what the community association has labelled ‘rampant developer-led growth’.
The results show that:
96% of people want a ban on rezoning until 2016 so that the provision of proper amenities catches up.
More that half the people think the town’s Western Relief Road is in the wrong place.
Almost three-quarters of people think the town needs another Eastern Relief Road.
94% of people think Carrigaline needs a dedicated planner working exclusively on the town’s issues.
Only 38% of people use public transport but almost 90% of respondents said they would use a light rail system to the city if it was provided.
Almost 3,000 questionnaires were distributed by Carrigaline Community Association last month, with over 1,200 returned. People were asked about a range of issues including planning, traffic, education, sport, transport and youth facilities.
The results highlighted the stark lack of facilities in the town which has no cinema, indoor sports complex, public swimming pool or cultural centre.
While the county council is working on some issues, the community association said that housing development has far outpaced the provision of adequate infrastructure.
Association spokesman Maurice Coveney, who was born in the town in 1939, said the town’s future should be decided by the people living there and not by developers.
“We will be making the county council aware of the preliminary results of the survey within a few days,” he said. “But we have a lot of work to do yet — examining some of the comments which came back in the survey. The section on sports facilities alone attracted over 500 comments.”
Work is expected to be completed within a month at which time the full results of the survey will be published and placed in the town’s library.
In 2002, CSO census figures showed the town had the highest proportion of workers commuting to work by car every day.
At 74%, Carrigaline topped the nation’s list followed by Dunboyne (70%), Tramore (67%) and Naas (65%).
Meanwhile, a study aimed at tackling traffic chaos in and around the town is continuing.
The Carrigaline Transportation and Traffic Study will outline a plan to cope with traffic and transport up to 2020 and it is expected to be completed within weeks.
Irish Examiner
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