Cork City Council to Decide on 580 Home Residential Development in Douglas
Cork City Council is set to announce its verdict on a substantial residential project comprising 580 homes in Douglas. The proposal by Murnane & O’Shea Ltd includes a mix of 263 houses and 317 apartments, alongside amenities like a creche, retail units, and a vision for a self-sufficient “15-minute neighbourhood”. This article delves into the details of this upcoming development and its implications on the local housing landscape.
Cork City Council is on the brink of finalising its decision regarding a sizable residential development initiative in Douglas. The project, spearheaded by Murnane & O’Shea Ltd, encompasses plans for 263 houses and 317 apartments in the Castletreasure, Moneygurney, and Maryborough townlands to the south of Douglas. Among the proposed amenities are a two-story creche with a 122-child capacity, a retail outlet, and a cafe, aiming to foster a comprehensive “15-minute neighbourhood” concept.
Housing Target in Cork:
The planning application, backed by a statement from HW Planning, aligns the proposed development with Cork City’s strategic urban expansion vision outlined in the Cork City Development Plan 2022-28. This vision emphasises the need for accommodating substantial housing growth to meet the city’s evolving demographic dynamics. Cork’s housing targets have been a point of concern, prompting calls for prioritising larger development sites to adequately cater to the city’s future population needs.
Transport Infrastructure and Community Integration:
HW Planning’s assessment underscores the proximity of the proposed development to key local amenities such as the Douglas Rochestown Educate Together primary school and existing bus services at Donnybrook Hill. Additionally, the development’s strategic location aims to foster a sustainable community in Castletreasure. The project’s integration with the Ballybrack Valley pedestrian and cycle route aligns with Cork’s broader vision for enhancing transport infrastructure to support its growing population.
Community Concerns and Traffic Impact Assessment:
While the planning application has garnered limited objections, concerns raised by local residents revolve around potential traffic disruptions and the visual impact on the area’s aesthetics. An evaluation by Cork City Council’s senior executive transport officer assures that short-term traffic impacts from the development are manageable and that future challenges can be addressed through enhanced transport infrastructure in line with the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy.
Upcoming Decision and Community Engagement:
As Cork City Council gears up to announce its decision on the Douglas residential development on Wednesday, March 27, stakeholders await the verdict that will shape the future housing landscape in the region. The engagement of local residents and authorities in evaluating the project’s impact underscores the collaborative approach towards sustainable urban development in Cork.
In conclusion, the proposed residential development in Douglas signifies a significant step towards addressing Cork’s housing needs while fostering a vibrant and integrated community environment. The decision by Cork City Council holds the key to shaping the city’s future urban landscape and ensuring sustainable growth in the years to come.
