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1.3.47 Of the 146 commercial units surveyed in 2019, only 8 were vacant. This included a large retail unit on the Main Street
(formerly O’Crualaoi butchers) and a property under renovation.
1.3.48 A total of 4 residential units were identified as being vacant. Of these, 2 were the subject of a planning application for
conversion to commercial use adjoining Supervalu (Barry Collins) and the remaining 2 were a pair of 2-storey semidetached
residential units.
1.3.49 To strengthen the retail service in the town this Plan considers that the best approach is to focus future expansion close
to the main street. The Plan has designated a large area of backlands to the west of the Main Street as Town Centre (CL-
T-01) which incorporates part of the existing retail core and this remains undeveloped. This Plan will seek to provide
an urban design framework to guide the desired urban structure of any future town centre expansion in this
area including the use of perimeter blocks, provision of additional small medium sized retail units, identifying access
points and specifying building heights. Further town centre enhancement measures will be delivered on completion
of the western relief road, which has been commissioned, which should focus on providing a more pedestrian friendly
streetscape within the inclusion of a new community focused public space at the heart of the town, wider pavements,
rationalized on‐street parking and a more coherent approach to signage, shop fronts and utilities.
1.3.50 Apart from recent convenience stores (Dunnes Stores and Lidl); there has been little expansion in the retail environment
in parallel with its significant population growth. A greater commercial offering in the town centre will attract locals
inwards to the town centre instead of towards alternative centres such as Douglas. In order to strengthen the core
area and promote increased footfall levels, it is essential that the location of any future significant retail development
consolidates the core and relates positively to the planned inner western relief road.
1.3.51 There are two sites for Town Centre within this Plan. Some regeneration sites have been identified within the town
centre to promote and prioritise the key sites which can fulfil appropriate town centre uses. There are also opportunities
to introduce a new public space as part of the development of the back lands within the CL-T-01 and CL-T-02 sites.
1.3.52 The consolidation and improvement of the town centre of Carrigaline is one of the most important elements of this Plan.
1.3.53 Despite rapid development over recent years, the town retains a strong identity. The expansion of the town centre will
add to the range of shops, services and employment opportunities whilst reducing any potential leakage in the trade to
the large established shopping areas in Cork City or Douglas, in turn improving the overall quality of life in the town and
discourage unnecessary journeys by car.
1.3.54 It is considered essential to the continued vitality of the town that the established town centre should continue
to be the focus of retail and commercial activity. The construction of an inner relief road, immediately to the west of
the existing town centre, will provide a framework for this expansion and consolidation while contributing to the
relief of traffic congestion on the main street. The provision of access to CL-T-01 will be dependent on the delivery of
this inner western relief road which has been commissioned and set to be delivered by 2023. The completion of this
road, the main streetscape proposals, general road improvements and the public realm requirements outlined in
previous sections when implemented will add greatly to the town centre environment.
Movement
Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS)
1.3.55 Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy was finalised in 2020 and the Strategy provides a coherent transport planning
policy framework and implementation plan around which other agencies involved in land use planning, environmental
protection, and delivery of other infrastructure such as housing and water can align their investment priorities. The
strategy identifies specific projects for Carrigaline Town and surrounding area, with particular reference to public
transportation. Projects such as the Greenway Cycle Network between Passage West/Glenbrook/Monkstown and
Carrigaline, bus services for the town and hinterland and the development of the M28.
Road Network
1.3.56 Carrigaline is served by an important network of regional roads and is connected to Cork City via the N28 National
Primary Road at Shannonpark Roundabout. Capacity issues on the National Road network together with high levels
of commuter based travel in the town creates queuing at peak times at Shannonpark Roundabout. The movement
network is one of the key influences on the future development of the town. The Carrigaline Area Transportation
Study was adopted in 2007 and some of its recommendations have been delivered, most notably the eastern relief road.
The planned Western Relief Road has been commissioned and is set to be delivered within the lifetime of this Plan. The
western Inner Relief Road is a key element in the future expansion of the town centre.
1.3.57 The Carrigaline TRPEP, which focuses on the settlement of Carrigaline will take cognisance of the linkages/radial
routes i.e. Ringaskiddy, Passage/Glenbrook/Monkstown, Douglas/city and the airport. A Consultant has been recently
appointed to complete a feasibility assessment and outline design for pedestrian and cycle route between Carrigaline
and both Ringaskiddy and Passage/Glenbrook/Monkstown, which will also address connectivity between Ringaskiddy
and Passage/Glenbrook/Monkstown. The N28 will be a key consideration in relation to this.
1.3.58 The underlying goal for Carrigaline town centre is that provision should only be made for traffic that is essential to the
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