Developments in Cork

In today’s Indo

ENTERPRISE Minister Mícheál Martin has described as “outrageous” reports that the future of a 1,200-job investment by US bio-technology giant Amgen could be at risk.

He said the reports circulating locally in East Cork were “totally stupid” and insisted the US firm had assured him the project would proceed in two years’ time.

“It has been made clear to us by Amgen in particular that they have a number of products earmarked for the Carrigtwohill site that they want to manufacture there.

“They regret what has happened (with the delay) but they are going ahead with the same plant and the same numbers employed by 2012,” he said.

His comments came as he opened a new European operations centre for Amazon in Cork which could ultimately employ up to 400 staff.

Minister Martin slated rumour-mongers who hinted that, once the General Election is over, further negative announcements may be made about Amgen.

¨Who is spreading these rumours? Who is putting it around the place? It is outrageous that this would be said. Why would I want to do that? They (Amgen) have already made the announcement. This is a fairly stupid rumour, to be frank. We do not control Amgen – we have supported their location into Ireland but we do not control the company.”

Amgen also emphatically rejected reports that their €1.2bn project was in jeopardy.

The California-based firm has insisted that the huge investment will proceed despite a two year delay in its roll-out.

The assurance came as the firm cancelled a planned sod-turning ceremony for its proposed plant site at Ballyadam in East Cork.

Former Cork Co Mayor, Cllr. John Mulvihill (Lab), warned that the promised jobs are absolutely crucial for the area.

Ralph Riegel

@Pug wrote:

yes, planner Ronnie McDowell issued a refusal based on the following reasons (essentially the plans got hammered on all fronts, the most obvious being a complete lack of proposals for the redevelopment of Kent Station)

Makes you wonder what the architects/designers were thinking, If CIE were involved in any of this application, serious questions should be asked as to how they even managed to put this application in? Surely for this magnitude of project, pre planning should be done over and over until the project is a shoe-in at planning application time.

As detailed above the development is fundamentally unacceptable in principle given the lack of a comprehensive approach by the applicants / landowners to the redevelopment of the entire strategic Kent Station/Horgans Quay lands. In addition as outlined there are serious design issues within both sub-areas which cannot be rectified under this application.

In summary the proposal is unacceptable for the following reasons:-
1. Failure to adequately provide for the design for a new Kent Station and Square and the associated infrastructure necessary for this new city quarter]

While I and other residents in the north docklands area are awaiting with dread and anticiptation ABP’s decision on the appeal by the applicants, I wondered did anyone have any information on Keohane’s development of Arbutus and Grattan Hill ? His builders knocked through a wall two days ago on Wellington terrace and put a door in the wall without any planning permission or regard for safety. The land behind the door is a protected area, apparently, but as Keohane is such a good mate of Gavin, that’s a ‘mere formality’ isn’t it ? One euro goes a long way these days!

That man pole dancing is a horrifying mental image 😀

@Praxiteles wrote:

Very shortly. though he will be poll-dancing and that will be likely to bring him a nightmare!!

You’re right there…days are numbered

Could be wrong, but my memory is screaming that the ‘Trade Centre’ had to be built by a certain date, or OCP would have to pay the penalty …. and .. the land would revert to CCC (despite JG’s current claims to the contrary)

what’s happening people? No posts? I’m one of many people who are not in the know but enjoy reading all your posts about Cork planning and the future of our city. You all on holiday or what?

Lane Homes have been granted permission by CCC to build 23+ mainly two-bed apartments at Lovetts.

What makes this premission unique is that Lane were not required to make any provision for parking for the 10+ townhouses which have already been built on the site.

Put people first by design, says civic leader
Archiseek / Ireland / News / 2007 / April 30

The Irish Examiner

John X Miller, the head of Cork’s Civic Trust, a non-profit voluntary organisation dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the city’s architectural heritage and environment, made the comments at the launch of his new book Emerging Cork on Friday night. It captures in photographs the cutting-edge architecture which has changed the face of the city. It highlights the impact of many of the newest buildings — some up to seven years old but others which have yet to be opened. It features striking images from some of the city’s top professional photographers, including Janice O’Connell, Kevin Dwyer and Tony O’Connell, who also acted as photographic adviser. It also includes artists’ impressions of projects under construction. The images focus mainly on the outside of the buildings, highlighting their architectural impact. However, interior elements, which Mr Miller said were crucial in many ways to achieving work-life balance, have also been included.

http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2007/04/30/story31526.asp

What are the odds on a conference centre appearing there

@Pug wrote:

What are the odds on a conference centre appearing there

Lack of public transport options.

Lack of parking.

Largly residential area.

Lack of Hotel/restaurant/bar facilities.

Roads infrastructure.