The protection of the environment, measures to tackle pollution, improve air quality and the installation of good quality infrastructure are all vital components of a thriving city. The objectives in this plan pertaining to the management of the city’s water resources and water services infrastructure are robust and it is positive to see support for the work of Irish Water within the city in relation to water conservation.
One of the biggest issues facing Cork City in recent years is flood protection. It is crucial that all flood protection measures that are planned for the city come to fruition particularly the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme which will prevent the devastating damage experienced by many traders and locals in recent years. It is welcome to see this City Development Plan supportive of the ongoing efforts by the Office of Public Works in this regard. Cork Chamber also fully supports various other flood protection schemes in the city that must be progressed with urgency including schemes in Blackpool, Glanmire/Glashaboy, and Douglas/Togher.
The energy needs of Cork City will change and intensify as the region experiences employment and population growth. The Draft City Development Plan addresses the need to support a safe, secure and reliable supply of energy in association with the various service providers as well as the safeguarding of strategic energy corridors from encroachment by other developments that could compromise the delivery of energy networks. However, it is possibly more beneficial to look towards maximising the potential of the region in relation to energy provision. Home to Ireland’s Energy Hub, Cork has significant potential to develop further with significant growth potential for renewables such as floating offshore wind, onshore wind, anaerobic digestion, green hydrogen and solar PV, all of which have potential to generate significant economic value and employment and contribute immeasurably to the sustainable credentials of the region and nationally. It is essential that this plan fully supports the current and future investment and activity that is taking place in Cork. Renewable energy sources will be the driving force in securing Cork’s future and ensuring it is an attractive location for FDI.
District heating is among the renewable energy sources referenced in the Draft City Development Plan. In accommodating more compact and sustainable patterns of development, Cork City Council have pledged to assess the feasibility to deliver district heating, particularly in Cork City Docklands, Tivoli Docklands and the Cork Science and Innovation Park. However due to the current climate in Ireland where summer temperatures are rising every year and the demand for air conditioning is emerging, it would be beneficial to consider if there is a reasonably constant heat source that could be used for heating in Winter and cooling in Summer.
The implementation of the Digital Strategy for the City is of utmost importance in the city, and this plan must ensure that a plan is in place to invest in the delivery of accessible and improved high speed, high-capacity digital infrastructure and rollout of the National Broadband Plan. As part of the Digital Strategy for the City the potential of data centres must be explored. The development of and requirement for data centres is a valuable part of the modern economy and an area with the generation capacity of Cork is ideally positioned to facilitate an appropriate volume of data centres, that can bolster current economic activity and investment. Commercial areas such as Little Island, act as ideal locations for such activity. This development plan must cater for this potential in the city region.