Michael O'Sullivan
Address REDACTED
Having reviewed some elements of the Draft Plan Cork City Development Plan 2022 – 2028 I would like to submit the following documents in order to influence key areas of concern for my family, our neighbourhood and for future residents.
I am involved with www.railwayparkcork.com and www.publicgreenspaces.ie
I am interested in the natural and built heritage of the city, biodiversity, public open spaces and active/green transport.
I am lucky to have reduced my car dependency in the last 10 years.
I prefer to walk and cycle if I need to go anywhere in the city.
The city is constantly improving as a 'livable city'.
These improvements are due to making difficult decisions.
I am of no doubt that catering solely for motor vehicles in the city is completely choking the place.
I am completely invested in it's future and I think once we can make decisions for the many and not the few we will thrive.
I love the River Lee, it's flora, fauna and its environs.
I am delighted to see that this City Development Plan turns focus back on a slow moving river and making reconnections with the river.
I am delighted also to see paragraphs stating that we can use natural flood plans to hold water.
We should be looking away from hard concrete solutions to flooding.
I love the city.
Ref: Chapter 3: Delivering Homes and Communities I am very disappointed with national housing policy and CCC housing policy. In particular the amount of acceptable dereliction in public and private property. I hope this is changing. I also think the HAP scheme needs complete reform as there are not enough inspections happening and the model delivers very little long term for the investment. The scheme seems to benefit landlords only.
Ref: Chapter 4: CMATS Modal Share (Peak Morning) Baseline and Targets I believe the ‘existing’ and ‘target’ share for Walking and Cycling are incorrect and well out of date for 2021-22. This needs to be urgently revised and higher targets need to be realised. Indeed, this is very clearly the case when looking at content from Ref: Chapter 5: Policy Objectives (Climate Change). Transition towards more sustainable travel and less reliance on private vehicles. Network of direct, comfortable, convenient and safe cycle routes and footpaths across the city. I would argue that if these two adaptation contributions were complete (both have begun already) we would see a significant increase in walking and cycling modal share. We need to aim higher and follow through with policy changes.
Ref: Chapter 6: City Hinterland Landscape 6.34 I agree fully with this that there are Large areas of High Value Landscape that are required to be protected. It is vital that we develop the city centre vacant sites, accommodation above retail and business, brownfield sites and tackle dereliction before we look to develop in these areas. Any future development in these areas should be planned with suitable transport links with city centre, schools, community hubs, retail etc.
Ref: Chapter 6: Green & Blue infrastructure Study 2021. An observation from figure 4.5 Demography -Age section is the low percentage in the age range of ‘under 18’ and Over 65. It is hugely important that suitable diverse housing is created in the centre to allow the city to thrive. Bad housing stock in the city centre is creating areas not suitable for single females, families, people with mobility issues and older people in general. Hence, we see ‘run down’ areas are dominated by accommodation for single men, fast food takeaways and sometimes betting shops. There are some interesting ideas covering this in Chapter 11.
In general, the content of ‘Green and Blue Infrastructure, Open Space and Biodiversity is very welcome and the site objectives are good. There are many fantastic open spaces in the city. I welcome the proposed enhancements at O’Mahony’s Ave and Bells Field etc.
Independent Parks Survey 2021
I would like to draw your attention to a survey of the 44 existing parks in the city that I conducted with the assistance of 30 other volunteer assessors early in 2021. This was a rewarding undertaking with my discovery of many new parks and beautiful landscapes. The findings of this survey show many areas with very poor parks and facilities particularly in the north city wards. The findings also show that there are very little play facilities for children over 6 and ‘hang-out’ areas and equipment for teenagers. While there are some park groups set up it would be of great benefit to assist and promote the setup of more local parks groups in the city. Please find survey details attached and links to all 44 parks below.
http://publicgreenspaces.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/210727-Park-Ratings-01.pdf
http://publicgreenspaces.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/210727-Park-Ratings-02.pdf
Ref: Chapter 4: CMATS Modal Share (Peak Morning) Baseline and Targets I believe the ‘existing’ and ‘target’ share for Walking and Cycling are incorrect and well out of date for 2021-22. This needs to be urgently revised and higher targets need to be realised. Indeed, this is very clearly the case when looking at content from Ref: Chapter 5: Policy Objectives (Climate Change). Transition towards more sustainable travel and less reliance on private vehicles. Network of direct, comfortable, convenient and safe cycle routes and footpaths across the city. I would argue that if these two adaptation contributions were complete (both have begun already) we would see a significant increase in walking and cycling modal share. We need to aim higher and follow through with policy changes.