Part XAB - Proposed - Water-Rock Linear Park at Knockgriffin (Imokilly) and Broomfield West, Midleton, Co. Cork
In accordance with Section 177AE of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2023 notice is hereby given that Cork County Council proposes to seek the approval of An Bord Pleanála to carry out the following development at Knockgriffin (Imokilly) and Broomfield West, Midleton.
Water-Rock Linear Park development is as follows:
- One primary vehicular entrance to the South from Northern Relief Road - The Northern Relief Road South Entrance (directly linked to the Ballinacurra to Midleton cycleway);
- Two primary pedestrian and cycle entrances – One from the Northern Relief Road South Entrance (directly linked to the Ballinacurra to Midleton cycleway), the second from the Urban Expansion Area (UEA) to the west of the proposed park.
- One secondary pedestrian and cycle entrance to the proposed Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund infrastructure housing on the west of the park.
- Upgrade the existing access roadway from Willowbank for maintenance and emergency vehicles;
- Fully accessible paths with falls no greater than 1:21 and landings where appropriate will be provided to all entrances to overcome the existing differences in level.
- Two new pedestrian/cycle bridges crossing the Owenacurra River.
- 3m wide Primary asphalt paths for cycle/pedestrian use. Lighting on columns to Primary paths.
- 2m wide Secondary hoggin/self-binding gravel paths.
- Informal mown paths.
- Natural landscaping which will include a Sensory garden; Natural and Wildlife area; Kickaround areas - large areas of mown lawn for people to gather and Woodland area;
- River viewing platforms: 5 timber platforms located at various points along the Owenacurra River with integrated seating.
- The activity hub incorporating a playground, bike trails and MUGA, located to the South of the park, directly linked to the Ballinacurra to Midleton cycleway and in close proximity to the new car park for ease of access.
- A playground with a mix of traditional and natural play equipment, that cater for all age groups.
- Bike trails for BMX, cycle and scooter track and practice areas.
- Multi-use games area with an all-weather pitch.
- Car park with 34 parking spaces, including two number accessible parking bays and four number electrical vehicles charging bays and four number parent and child bays.
- SUDs will form an integral part of the design. Permeable surfaces are proposed where suitable. Any new areas of hardstanding will be laid to falls to allow surface water to drain to adjacent green areas. Larger areas of hardstanding will also be laid to falls and will be provided with soakaways.
- New areas of hardstanding will occur throughout the park with the introduction of 3m wide primary paths with asphalt surface finish. The 3m wide asphalt paths will be laid to a cross fall to allow rainwater to run off into the adjacent green areas.
- The proposed secondary paths will be finished in hoggin/self-binding gravel paths, providing a permeable finish to these areas.
- The new carpark will be finished in asphalt. The carpark will be laid to falls and surface water run-off will be directed to gulleys and a petrol interceptor.
- The proposed Children’s play surfaces will used natural permeable finishes or will be laid to falls to allow the surface water to drain into adjacent green areas. The children’s play surfacing is broken out into pockets with each pocket surrounded by vegetated/planted green space.
- The proposed MUGA will used natural permeable finishes or will be laid to falls to allow the surface water to drain into adjacent green areas and soakaway.
- The proposed skatepark will be laid to falls and surface water run-off will be directed to gulleys which in turn will be directed to a soakaway.
A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared in respect of the proposed development.
An Bord Pleanála may give approval for the development with or without conditions or may refuse the application for development.
The Natura Impact Assessment, together with Plans and Particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection free of charge, or may be purchased on payment of a small fee (which shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy) during normal office hours, at the following locations from Monday, 17th July 2023 to Tuesday, 29th August 2023:
- The offices of An Bord Pleanala, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, Eircode D01 V902, Monday – Friday during working hours.
- Planning Department, Cork County Hall, Carrigrohane Rd., Cork, EircodeT12 R2NC, - between the hours of 9.00am and 4.00pm (excluding public holidays),
- Cork County Council East Cork Municipal District, Midleton Lodge, Youghal Road, Midleton, Co. Cork, Eircode P25 TF98,
- between the hours-9:30am-12:30pm and 2:00pm -4:30pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays),
- Cork County Council East Cork Municipal District, Mall House, Youghal, Co. Cork, Eircode P36 A660, - between the hours of 9am-4pm Monday to Friday; (excluding public holidays),
- Below in the 'Document Summary' section
Submissions and observations, with respect to the proposed development, relating to:
- The implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area concerned;
- The likely effects on the environment of the proposed development, and
- The likely significant effects of the proposed development on a European site,
May only be made in writing to The Secretary, An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902 before 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 29th August 2023.
A person may question the validity of any such decision of the Bord by way of an application for judicial review, under Order 84 of the rules of the Superior Courts (S.I. No. 15 of 1986) in accordance with Section 50 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended)
Practical information in respect of the judicial review process can be accessed on the Bord’s website www.pleanala.ie or the Citizens Information Service website www.citizensinformation.ie