Volume 1 Written Statement

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Volume One: Written Statement
13.81 A limited number of changes have been introduced to the zoning of land in this Development Plan in
the South Docks area which vary from and take precedence over those in the SDLAP:
• The ESB and NORA lands have been changed from ‘Third fourth level education and advanced
technology’ uses to ‘mixed use’. This will allow more flexibility in the future use of these lands.
The uses in the original zoning will also be permitted under the new zoning.
• The ‘Cultural and community facilities’ zonings have been changed to ‘Mixed Use’. The
objective of securing these facilities will continue in the South Docks Plan but it is not
considered necessary to give them a specific zoning.
• The small areas zoned ‘Public open space’ on the former Ford car compound on Centre Park
Road have been changed to ‘Mixed Use’ as they are of very limited extent and considered overly
prescriptive in terms of possible future development of the site.
• The small canal like areas zoned ‘Waterways protection’ near the Marina Commercial Park have
been changed to ‘Mixed Use’. The detailed objectives in the SDLAP will allow for achievement
of the objective without needing a specific zoning for these areas.
Transport Infrastructure
13.82 Improved access infrastructure is proposed for Docklands via new vehicular and pedestrian bridge
crossings (see Map 2 in Volume 2). The Water Street Bridge and Eastern Gateway Bridge are initially
proposed, with further study required to progress the Mill Road Bridge and pedestrian bridges linking
the 'tip of the island' (Custom House Quay site) with the North and South Docks. All bridges are
intended to have opening spans. The main vehicular street is proposed along Monahan's road while
Centre Park Road is intended to act as the primary public transport route through the area. The main
pedestrian and cyclist route will be along the Quayside Amenity area. Movement throughout the area
is also complemented by the provision of waterbus stop facilities at the quayside, which will further
connect the South Docks with the City Centre.
13.83 Bord Pleanala granted Part X planning permission for the main road network in the South Docks area
as well as the Water Street and Eastern Gateway Bridges in 2010. These have not proceeded in the
absence of funding for infrastructure and as stated above the emphasis for the first phase of Docklands
development has shifted to those areas close to the city centre as proposed in the Cork City Harbour
report. It is hoped that key elements of overall layout will be implemented at a later stage as resources
for infrastructure become available and port and land-based activities decline / relocate and sites come
forward for re-development.
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Public Open Space / Public Realm
13.84 The City Council will seek the provision of a number of key public open spaces within Docklands as a
constituent part of the creation of a high quality urban extension to the City Centre, to provide for the
amenities of residents, workers, and visitors alike. These spaces are outlined in Map 1 Volume 2. A
Public Realm Masterplan for Docklands was completed in 2012 and this provides detailed guidance on
the landscape design and layout of public parks, paths and streets to guide public and private
development proposals.
13.85 A Masterplan has also been prepared for the major Park to serve Docklands – Marina Park. It will contain
an extensive path and waterway system and a series of active and passive recreational areas which will
serve the existing city population as well as the future docklands population. It is intended to implement
Phase1of the park over the period of the Plan and this will be complemented by the planned major
upgrade and extension of Pairc Ui Caoimh Stadium and associated Centre of Excellence.
13.86 Additional open space to the zoned areas of open space will be sought for residential developments in
accordance with the requirements laid out in Chapter 16 Development Management.
200 Draft Cork City Development Plan 2015-2021