Passage Railway Greenway Improvement Scheme, Phase II Planning and Development Act 2000 (As amended) Planning & Development Regulations 2001 (As amended)

Notice pursuant to Section 177AE of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)

Notice is hereby given that Cork City Council proposes to seek the approval of An Bord Pleanála under section 177AE of the Planning and Development Act, as amended, for development comprising of the Passage Railway Greenway Improvement Scheme, Phase II – Mahon to Passage West, and all associated works. Phase II of the Greenway route commences on the northern side of the N40 near Bessborough, crosses the N40 Cork South Ring Road and the Douglas Estuary via bridges, traverses Harty’s Quay and the R610 Rochestown Road, passes Hop Island and terminates at the Cork City boundary to the west of Passage West. The proposed development also includes improvement works to pedestrian / cycle tracks that extend from the northern section of the Greenway towards Mahon Industrial Estate and Mahon Interchange. The development site is located within the townlands of Ballinlough, Ballinure, Monfieldstown, and Rochestown.

The proposed development consists of the upgrade of approximately 5km of the existing Passage
Railway Greenway and two interconnecting tracks, including:

• Resurfacing of and widening of the existing Greenway to up to 4m,
• New surfacing of the tracks accessing Mahon Industrial Estate and the Mahon Interchange to form a shared use pavement of c.3m in width, including works to an existing modern path outside of the present-day boundary but within the historic curtilage of Bessborough House, a protected structure (RPS 490),
• Improvement works to the Black Bridge including replacement of decking plates and surface, and provision of non-slip surfacing, new drainage systems and protective paintwork to ironwork members,
• Provision of landscaped segregated zones where the Greenway runs alongside the R610 Rochestown Road, including narrowing and realignment of the R610, the provision of a retaining wall for c.210m on the southern side of the R610, and removal and replacement of front boundary walls and gates to residences at Island View and at the corner of No. 1 St. Gerard’s Place to facilitate the proposed revised arrangement,
• Provision of a bus shelter on the R610 Rochestown Road,
• Works to public car parks along the Greenway route including resurfacing of Harty’s Quay Car Park and the extension and reconfiguration of Hop Island Car Park to accommodate a new exit only junction onto the R610 Rochestown Road and the provision of 22 no. car parking spaces in lieu of the existing 17 no. spaces,
• Reconfiguration of open space at St. Gerard’s Place to comprise of new landscaping and the provision of 22 no. car parking spaces,
• Public realm improvements and landscaping along the route to include planting and biodiversity enhancement measures; seating and play equipment; the provision of a singlespan bridge over the Pouldougheric Stream; enhancement works to the former Rochestown Railway Station platform; water stations; and bicycle parking, repair and storage facilities,
• Provision of public lighting infrastructure; new and modified drainage infrastructure; information boards, signage and markings along the route, and
• All associated clearance and demolition, provision of temporary construction compounds, and ancillary site development works to facilitate the scheme.

A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared as part of the application for approval in respect of the
proposed development. An Bord Pleanála may give approval to the application for development with or without conditions or may refuse the application for development.

The planning documentation and a copy of the Natura Impact Statement may be inspected free of charge or purchased at the following locations at the specified times during the period of 26th January 2023 to 10th March 2023 (inclusive of both dates):

• The Offices of Cork City Council, City Hall, Anglesea Street, Cork between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm, on working days.
• The Offices of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 from 9.15am to 5.30pm on working days.

Submissions or observations may be made in writing to An Bord Pleanála at its offices at 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, during the period of 26th January 2023 to 10th March 2023 in relation to:

i. the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area concerned,
ii. the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development, and
iii. the likely significant effects of the proposed development on a European site, if the proposed development is carried out.

Any submissions/observations must be received by An Bord Pleanála not later than 5.30pm on the 10th March 2023.
A person may question the validity of a decision of the Board by way of an application for judicial review, under Order 84 of the rules of the Superior Courts (S.I. no. 15 of 1986) in accordance with Section 50 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

Practical information in respect of the judicial review process can be accessed on the Board’s website www.pleanala.ie or on the Citizens Information Service website www.citizensinformation.ie