[A virtual aerial view showing the redeveloped Pairc Ui Chaoimh]

Further to the government’s decision to announce a grant of €30 million for the development of GAA stadium Pairc Uí Chaoimh, Cork and the DOUBLING of its footprint…

Dan Boyle writes:

“Consensus exists on the need to develop the stadium. However the proposal to double the footprint of the stadium by developing a parallel all-weather pitch, at the expense of a public park on land acquired through compulsory purchase which is still subject to being assessed by Bord Pleanala, should have meant that this decision was delayed.

“Making this decision for political purposes while ignoring the processes meant to protect the public good shows this government is no different from its predecessors,”

“How is this announcement any different from that type of politics we saw from former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in relation to the Abbotstown project or on Croke Park, where large amounts of public money were announced before public concerns were addressed?”

“Other can decide whether this is an appropriate use of public money given the constraints that exist on the public purse. A new stadium in Cork is an important piece of infrastructure which should be supported. An all weather pitch that compromises a public park is not essential. Any funding assistance should include that qualification.”

Dan Boyle is a Green Party candidate for Cork City South East

FIGHT!

Cabinet grants €30m for regeneration of Páirc Uí Chaoimh (Eoin English and Juno McEnroe, irish Examiner)

Pic via Scott Tallon Walker architects.