The CDP refers to the key objectives of the NPF, including 'compact growth', however I fail to see genuine appreciation of what this means. For example, it strikes me as completely contradictory that the town of Blarney is considered as a ''Long Term Growth Area''. In what world is future proposed growth to a town that is approximately 10km from Cork City Council's HQ considered as aligning with ''compact growth''? Similar could be said for the continued encroachment of Cork City towards Ballincollig.
With regard to the 15-minute city concept. I believe that greater commitment is required to identify neighbourhood centres throughout the city, that could act as centres for local services, particularly convenience stores and cafes/restaurants. There are too many sprawling suburban areas in Cork that lack coherent centres. The Councils hould identify the locations of local shops in areas that lack defined neighbourhood centres and take efforts to develop and improve the public realm aropund these shops, thereby attracting further stores which could cater to the need s of surrounding residents. For example, consider Beaumont/Ballinlough, which sits between the city centre, Blackrock and Douglas, all of which are outside easy walking distance. These neighbourhoods could and should have their own dedicated centres. This would not be detrimental to the city centre, rather they would complement the city's offerings.