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1.4 Passage West/Glenbrook/Monkstown
Vision and Context
1.4.1 The Vision for Passage West/Glenbrook/Monkstown which is a series of three linked settlements of Passage West,
Glenbrook and Monkstown with each settlement offering different functions reflective of their historic roles is to
enhance and nurture the town’s attractive waterfront setting, its rich architecture, with emphasis on regenerating its
historic town centre. The town is strategically located near large centre of employment such as Ringaskiddy and Cork
City with enhanced sustainale and active travel connections extending into Cork City centre. It is also in close proximity
to Carrigaline and Cobh via the cross ferry service.
1.4.2 However, while the town is accessible to many locations emphasis is needed to improve and enhance connectivity within
the town itself which will in turn encourage the existing community to engage with its own town centre . It is important
to foster the existing growth of the town to date and to stitch the existing town core with the educational, community,
and residential nodes of the town.
1.4.3 The continued population and housing growth of Passage West/Glenbrook/Monkstown should be in tandem with
the improvement of the physical and built fabric at its historic core, building on its existing assets, its heritage, and its
location.
Strategic Context
1.4.4 Passage West has a well defined urban structure reflective of its importance as a shipbuilding and railway terminus,
however, the past few decades the function of the retail core has been progressively weakened resulting in a poor
urban environment. Glenbrook is largely a small linear residential fishing village which containing some limited services
including the local Garda Station. Monkstown’s historic development as a new commuter suburb for the rich middle
classes in the 19th century has left a legacy of large and impressive buildings. The existing town centre zoning reflects
the focus of the existing limited services within the town. This settlement has been allocated a population target of
6,719 to 2028 under the CDP, representing a growth of just over 876 people on Census 2016 figures (5,843). Taking
account of vacancy, an additional 393 housing units would be required to accommodate the target population growth.
1.4.5 Passage West/Glenbrook/Monkstown functions as an important residential area with excellent recreational facilities
centred on its harbour location. The Settlement overlooks Cork Harbour, which provides an attractive setting. The
existing dockland area primarily due to its location represents a significant redevelopment opportunity. Continued
population growth may be constrained by the town’s topography, the lack of transportation infrastructure and the
proximity of the docks near its centre.
1.4.6 The SECAD Passage West Strategic Plan 2018-2022 sought to foster socio-economic development and renewal
through community led partnership. This strategic plan is part of a process to help organise and inspire projects and
activities that can have a real and lasting impact for the sustainable growth and development of Passage West.
Local Context
1.4.7 Passage West/Glenbrook/Monkstown is a popular residential area not just because of its unique setting but because of
its location 14 km south of Cork City and 5.5 km from the southern Cork City suburbs.
1.4.8 The settlement is located on the western shores of Cork Harbour. Passage West and Glenbrook overlook the West
Channel, through which Lough Mahon funnels into the lower harbour. Monkstown, further downstream at the mouth of
the West Channel, overlooks the huge expanse of water that is Lower Cork Harbour.
1.4.9 The location of the settlement in the heart of the Metropolitan Area has made Passage West/Glenbrook/Monkstown an
important residential alternative to Cork City and its Environs most notably Douglas. The town’s setting adjacent to Cork
Harbour and a designated scenic landscape provide excellent opportunities to create a high quality living environment.
1.4.10 Housing in recent years has been provided in the form of large housing estate developments which, while often
suburban in character, have introduced diversity to the housing mix in the town, catering for all age groups and stages in
the lifecycle. This enhanced choice in housing is particularly important for a rapidly expanding settlement like Passage
West/Glenbrook/Monkstown, where the need to maintain mixed communities is an essential element in maturing a
neighbourhood and creating a sense of integration between the established and new communities.
1.4.11 This group of small settlements grew as nineteenth century port towns in Cork Harbour. Being a once heavily utilised
port town the marine character is still evident in Passage West, Glenbrook and Monkstown. However, only in Passage
West does any significant commercial activity remain.
1.4.12 Monkstown has a small of number of community and commercial facilities and remains a popular residential location
in its attractive coastal and wooded settting. It has retained many of its period dwelling from dating back to the 19th
century as suburban life was made possible following the advent of the railway. Monkstown also is a significant centre
for water based leisure activities including Monkstown Bay Sailing Club.
1.4.13 The cross river ferry in Glenbrook is a key link to the Northern Harbour rail based settlement/employment Cluster of
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