2140374

Permission for (1) Internal reorganisation and redevelopment of the South Stand to provide for: At ground floor level, a new GAA Museum / Exhibition / Visitor Centre and Café, all accessible from the main public concourse connecting Marina Park. At first floor level, the relocation of the Ard Comhairle reception space to a position adjacent to the existing Ard Comhairle seating area. The designated museum space on the first floor at the Blackrock End is proposed to accommodate the existing gym facility which is to be relocated from the ground floor. The GAA administration area is to be located at the City End of the first floor. The second floor is to be enhanced as a conference venue with office hub facilities and break out spaces. The use of existing third floor level outdoor terraces, WC, and catering facilities as corporate social venues as part of the overall conference facilities. Other reorganisation works will allow for a new internal stadium tour route as part of a new tourist attraction. (2) External works to the stadium will comprise modifications to the existing City End and Blackrock End stadium entrances to include sheltered porches and signage to improve the legibility of their positions and function. (3) Revised access and egress arrangements to the stadium are proposed in accordance with updated Mobility Management and Traffic Management Plans, and are to comprise: Revised vehicular access to the stadium and its associated parking via the Monahan Road, which will allow for the future closing of the Marina for vehicular access to the stadium. Car and bus pick up and drop off areas with associated public parking areas at both main entrance points. A new public car park at the Blackrock End of the stadium, accessed via Monahan Road, for use by those visiting Marina Park and the stadium and for disabled parking on match days, with a connection to the existing public parking area at the Atlantic Pond. New pedestrian and cycle connections to include pedestrian crossings and new bicycle parking stations at the Monahan Road / Park Avenue Junction and on the Marina Park concourse. (4) A new childrens playground at the Atlantic Pond. (5) Permission is also sought for ancillary uses to allow for the hosting of conferences and events, hospitality and meetings, museum/ exhibition centre uses, and stadium tours, administrative offices and licensed restaurants and café uses, all of which will remain ancillary to the overall sporting use of the stadium.

Refused

Core Refusal Reason

The proposed southern access and surface car parking zones were deemed to materially contravene the 'Public Open Space' (ZO 14) zoning objective and would detrimentally impact the delivery and cohesion of the Marina Park Masterplan.

Decision Maker's Conclusion

  • The internal reorganisation of the south stand, including the new GAA museum and cafe, are welcomed as ancillary uses that support the long-term viability of the stadium.
  • The proposed southern car parking (Zones A and B) and associated vehicular access represent an unacceptable encroachment on public open space and fail the 'Justification Test' for flood risk management.
  • By conditioning the omission of the car parking zones and restricting southern access to emergency use only, the development is otherwise in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development.

Cited Policies (CDP)

Objective ZO 14Objective 11.6Objective 11.7Objective 11.10Objective 11.13Objective 11.15Objective 12.17Objective 13.27Objective ZO 13Section 5.42Section 11.20Section 15.20Section 15.21Table 16.8

Decision Document Summary

The proposal at Páirc Uí Chaoimh stadium and Marina Park, Cork, involved a mix of internal stadium redevelopment (museum, cafe, conference facilities), external modifications, a new children's playground, and significant changes to access and parking, notably 150 new spaces and a new entrance off Monahan Road. The site context is a high-profile urban parkland setting with a mix of 'Sports Grounds' and 'Public Open Space' zoning. While the Inspector supported the enhancement of the stadium as a s...
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