Save Cork City mount new legal challenge

An opposition group will know in November if it can proceed with its challenge against the decision to approve works at Morrison’s Island which were due to begin early next year. It is likely to delay the €6m project further.

Save Cork City yesterday (Wednesday) announced that it had applied to the High Court for a judicial review to be carried out following the decision by An Bord Pleanála on 17 June to grant permission for the Morrisons Island Public Realm and Flood Defence project to go ahead in Cork city. The application was adjourned to 3 November for a decision on whether Save Cork City can proceed with its challenge.

The Statement of Grounds for Review was presented in court by Jerry Healy SC and John Kenny BL. Save Cork City are represented by FP Logue Solicitors.

Earlier this month Cork City Council confirmed the detailed design was being finalised with the intention of having contractors on site early next year.

At the time, a City Hall statement said: “The Morrison’s Island project represents an outstanding opportunity to bring about comprehensive regeneration of this historic area following An Bord Pleanála’s recent granting of approval for extensive public realm improvements and flood defence works.”

The Lord of Cork Cllr Joe Kavanagh and Cork Business Association have previously both pledged their support for the planned works which include a wide riverside promenade, a plaza area at the eastern end of the South Mall and a redesigned Trinity Bridge crossing to Union Quay. As part of the project, changes will also be made to traffic movements, car parking will be reduced, and additional bicycle parking will be provided.

Other aspects of the project are the construction of flood defences, changes to the surface water drainage system and remedial works to the existing quay walls. The historic cut limestone quay walls will be refurbished to ensure their long-term integrity by repairing, cleaning and re-pointing in-situ.

Save Cork City said in a statement yesterday it believes the project cannot deliver its promised flood protection. It also has other issues including claiming that the proposed works represent “a project splitting of the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme and question a breach of environmental regulations”.