20 January 2016
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Lord Mayor, Cllr Chris O’Leary warmly welcomed the announcement of €5million in European funding for Cork City Centre. Cllr O’Leary said ‘We warmly welcome this announcement which follows a very comprehensive application submitted by Cork City Council. Following on from the recent announcement of the Capitol development, it again highlights how the city centre is being revitalised though a combination of public and private sector investment’.
The grant aid is for sustainable urban development under the Designated Urban Centres Grants Scheme and will provide €3.5 million towards the development of Marina Park and the environmental enhancement of Monahan Rd. It will also provide €1.5 million toward the development of a dedicated cycle and pedestrian bridge between Harley Street and Merchants Quay. Both projects will be match funded by Cork City Council.
Ann Doherty, Chief Executive, said ‘These projects are two further key aspects of the City Council City Centre Implementation plan. The Marina Park will act as a catalyst for the Docklands development and will mean the city centre will be bookended by two significant amenities – Fitzgerald’s Park in the west and Marina Park in the east. As well as being an important element of the City Council Movement Strategy, the pedestrian and cycle bridge between Merchants Quay and Patrick Quay will improve access to the burgeoning Victorian Quarter along MacCurtain Street.’
