Frequently Asked Questions

Cork City Council has started the preparation of a new Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028. This is a 2-year process, which evolves through various stages in line with Planning and Development legislation. The existing Cork City Development Plan 2015-2021 will remain in place for the next two years.

We have prepared a new Draft Plan, which includes issues such as climate change, social inclusion, transport, housing, economy, health, culture, heritage, education and biodiversity loss. Ultimately, what do we want our City to look like? In terms of development, what are our priorities?

The development plan process is explained within the Process Overview document and is supported by the Socio-Economic Profile.  The Development Plan is primarily a land use document, which deals with associated issues, which impact our way of life, work, travel, experience and enjoyment of our City.

Following the initial public consultation, which closed on 21st August 2020, the Council has commenced the second stage of public consultation on the Draft Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028.  Everyone is welcome to make submissions on how you wish Cork City to develop and grow. There will be a further round of public consultation in Spring 2022. This website and social media will provide updates throughout the process. 

The new City Development Plan will replace the current City Development Plan 2015-2021 and Cork County Development Plan 2014 and Municipal District Local Area Plans 2017 (solely for the former County Council areas now within the Cork City boundary including Ballincollig, Blarney, Glanmire and Tower).

What is the Draft City Development Plan?

A Development Plan is a public document used to guide development in your city. It is renewed every six years and sets out how land is used in your neighbourhood, for example; housing, employment, infrastructure, open / green space and retail.

It addresses changes in the economy, government guidelines and policies, environment, climate change and the ongoing loss of biodiversity and how your city will respond to these challenges.

It also states the city’s objectives and policies, which will guide proposed development and planning.

This is the first Plan to take into account the boundary change in 2019 and will now include new towns and settlements previously within Cork County for the former County Council areas now within the Cork City boundary including Ballincollig, Blarney, Glanmire and Tower.

Why do we need a new City Development Plan 2022-2028?

There is a legal obligation on Cork City Council to produce a Development Plan every six years. The Development Plan will guide development within Cork City over the short–to–medium term. Plans have to be replaced to meet the changing needs of society, which are influenced by various factors including population increase, economic conditions, environment, climate change, loss of biodiversity, new government guidelines and policies.

So what is happening now?

Following the initial public consultation in June 2020, the City Council has prepared the Draft City Development Plan 2022-2028.  This includes the submissions received by the public during the first stage of public consultation. The Draft City Development Plan will be made available to the public for a period of 10 weeks for consideration.

The Chief Executive will then submit a second report summarising the Draft Plan consultation submissions to the full Council and her recommendations on the key issues. City Council Members’ decide on suggested amendments to the Draft Plan and a third public consultation on the City Development Plan Amendments will take place.

Finally, the new City Development Plan is adopted, replacing the previous (current) Plan 2015-2021. The new City Development Plan comes into effect six weeks after it is made. 

What Documents make up the Draft Cork City Development Plan at this Stage of the Review Process?

We are currently at Stage 2, Draft Plan stage with the publication of the Draft Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 on 26th July 2021 which consists of:

  • Volume 1 – Written Statement
  • Volume 2 – Mapped Objectives
  • Volume 3 – Specific Built Heritage

The Draft Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 is also accompanied by a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report, prepared in accordance with the SEA Directive (2001/42/EC) and the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 436 of 2004) (as amended), and an Appropriate Assessment (AA) Natura Impact Report pursuant to the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment prepared in accordance with The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines 2009.

Where can I view the published Cork City Development Plan Review Public Consultation Documents?

The Draft Plan will be placed on public display on Monday 26th July to Monday 4th October 2021 inclusive and will be available to view online at www.corkcitydevelopmentplan.ieand also in the following venues by appointment only and subject to Covid 19 Guidelines at the time.

  • The Planning Counter, Cork City Council, City Hall, Anglesea Street, Cork from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday. Appointments for viewing the plan can be made by telephone at 021-4924328 or by email to planning@corkcity.ie.
  • The City Library, Grand Parade, Cork from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Saturday. Appointments to view the development plan can be made by phoning 021-4924900.  In line with current government guidelines, viewings will be a maximum of 15 minutes.

Who can make a submission?

Cork City Council welcomes everyone (including young people or groups and organizations representing the views of young people) to make a submission on the Draft Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028.

How to Have Your Say/ Make a submission?

The plan making process is a collaborative one and we are looking for your views on the Draft City Development Plan. Written submissions or observations with respect to the Draft Plan and/or the accompanying reports are invited from members of the public and other interested parties, including children or groups or associations representing the interests of children.

Submissions/observations may be made on the Draft Plan from Monday, 26th July 2021 to Monday, 4th October 2021 inclusive in the following ways:

Please make your submission by one medium only.

Cork City Council has prepared the Draft Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 in accordance with the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and is now on public display for 10 weeks public consultation from 26th July 2021 to 4th October 2021.

Will my submission be published on the Cork City Council Website?

Yes. Please note that in accordance with Section 12 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) all valid submissions received by the Council shall be published on the Cork City Council website within 10 working days of its receipt by the Council. The planning process is an open and public process and therefore your submission (in part or in total) will be available to view online at  https://consult.corkcity.ie

Will there be any Public Consultation Events taking place in relation to the Draft Cork County Development Plan 2021?

It is intended to hold a webinar event during the public consultation period, which will give an overview of the Draft City Development Plan and guidance on how to make a submission. Details of this event will be published on the Cork City Council website shortly at www.corkcitydevelopmentplan.ie.

Can I download documents?

Yes – all Draft Plan documents are provided on our webpage as downloadable PDFs. These are located on our webpage City Development Plan 2022-2028 - Cork City Council

A limited number of copies of the Draft Documents will be made available for purchase, if required, from the Policy Unit in Cork City Hall. Please email citydevplan@corkcity.ie for same.   

What are the Next Steps in the Review of the City Development Plan process?

We are currently at Stage Two of the Review of the City Development Plan process and following the Public Consultation period a Chief Executive’s Report will be prepared on the Draft Plan Submissions received and will be available on the council’s webpage. Cork City Council Members having considered the Chief Executive’s Report on Draft Plan Submissions will decide whether to adopt or amend the Draft Plan.