Volume 1 Written Statement

Chapter 11: Recreational Infrastructure
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CHAPTER 11
RECREATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Introduction
11.1 The protection and enhancement of recreational infrastructure for health, recreational, landscape,
biodiversity, and connectivity reasons, has significant benefits for Cork and the quality of life that it
can offer to its citizens and those that visit the city.
11.2 Cork City has intensified over the past 20 years and will continue to intensify in the future as a response
to strategically co-ordinated land use and transport. Given the geography and landscape of Cork it is
essential that existing recreational assets are retained, enhanced and added to in order to provide for
the existing city population as well as the needs of new residents and employees that will populate
major development areas. These assets are not only important to the city and its constituent
neighbourhoods but the wider metropolitan area, as well as the City’s appeal for tourism and
international capital. The assets are also of wider significance in relation to drainage / flooding and
climate change.
11.3 Cork will progress the delivery of a recreational infrastructure strategy that supports the health of its
citizens. A coherent plan for recreational infrastructure will ensure that the recreation and open space
needs of citizens is met but will also help to ensure the protection of Cork’s natural assets including
landscape, green spaces, biodiverse areas and also provide significant urban design benefits for the
city. There is also a very strong link to improving the overall connectivity of the city and to its wider
metropolitan area (as set out in Chapter 10: Landscape and Natural Heritage).
11.4 Recreational infrastructure is provided by a range of organisations, including the City Council, the
private sector, third sector organisations, and through the delivery of development. It is the combination
of all of these components that ensures that the city’s recreational needs are met. Public spaces,
including open spaces and streets, provide key focal points for neighbourhoods and include a mix of
activities and uses appropriate to their location, scale and context.
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Achievements
11.5: Cork has made significant improvements to its recreational infrastructure over the last 10 years, building
on its fantastic landscape assets that together combine to make a strong and clear framework based
upon the River Lee Corridor and pre-existing spaces and facilities.
• A number of new parks and open spaces have been developed over the last few years, including
the Military Cemetery (The Glen) and Bridevalley Park. Many other projects are close to
delivery;
• Active sports facilities have been provided, including sports pitches at Mahon, All-Weather
Pitches at The Glen and Changing Pavilions at Pophams Park and Fair Field;
• In making the city more child-friendly six public playgrounds have been completed and
refurbishments to existing playgrounds are also part of the ongoing work of the City Council;
• Allotments / community gardens have been provided at a number of locations on the northside
of the city.
Draft Cork City Development Plan 2015-2021
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