Creating a Greener, Healthier City

Creating a Greener, Healthier City

Marina Park Progress continues

Image 1: Slipway works underway at Dundanion Castle Image 2: CGI render of finished slipway

Works are well underway on the next phase of Marina Park. This includes works within Holland Park, new woodland pathways, work on the elevated walkway to the Blackrock Greenway and links onto Marina Promenade.

Image 1: Works ongoing on Marina Park footpaths Image 2: CGI render of elevated tree walkway

Formation works for a new playground are ongoing, and the construction of the tree walkway elevated structure is happening offsite.

Above: Works ongoing of restoration of Barrington's Folly

Barrington’s Folly is undergoing restoration as a heritage feature within the park, as is the former slipway at Dundanion Castle.  Meanwhile, works on the piling platform for the timber deck which will overhang the Atlantic Pond and works on the amphitheatre, including piling and new pathways on the northside of the Atlantic Pond are underway.

Marina Promenade Update

Resurfacing will continue on the Marina Promenade over the coming months with the riverside promenade on course to re-open to the public by year’s end.

Resurfacing on the Blackrock end of the amenity is now completed and the remaining resurfacing will continue in phases. The rehabilitation of the existing stone walls is also finished while the construction of balconies and plazas along the promenade is ongoing.

Installation of new public lighting poles and cables is progressing and landscaping work along the promenade has also begun.

The project is currently on track to be substantially completed by the end of 2024.

Green spaces are vitally important in cities: promoting physical and mental health, biodiversity and providing places to exercise, relax, hold community events, and connect to nature.

Cork City Council is continually exploring opportunities to further increase the provision of green space within the city and is currently working on a number of park projects which will hugely
benefit quality of life across the city. Phase two of Marina Park is under construction and will extend from the Atlantic Pond to Church Avenue in Blackrock. It will include a “nature” zone
accommodating picnic areas, adventure play areas, a preserved marshland and several architectural heritage sites. When completed it will be six times the area of Fitzgerald’s Park.

In Hollyhill, a 100ha site is earmarked for the creation of a new regional park. Cork City Council has appointed a design team to develop an overall plan for this new facility. This new regional park will create green linkages between the city and its hinterland, complementing biodiversity and providing important economic, leisure, health and environmental benefits to the northwest of the city. The masterplan will include active and passive recreational areas with interconnected spaces including parkland, natural green spaces, ecosystems and greenways. In Blarney, preliminary designs are being prepared to develop Inch Park and to integrate it with planned new pedestrian/cycle facilities in the area.

Cork City Council manages over 607ha of green spaces including:

As well as managing green spaces, Cork City Council works closely with schools and community groups, supporting and advising on local initiatives. They provide materials and manpower to projects like community gardens, educational initiatives, Tidy Towns, and Men’s Sheds.

TIPS FROM OUR BIODIVERSITY OFFICER

Rosemarie McDonald, on how to promote biodiversity at home

TIPS FROM OUR TREE OFFICER

Thomas Kane, on tree planting at home.