developments in cork

With all the talk above the train station and the rail services to Mildlton, it is actually hard to believe that Cork once had 5 train terminals! (Kent station, Albert Quay, Cork – Crosshaven terminus behind Carey’s Tool Hire, Summerhill (above the present Kent…used to be terminus of the Youghal line before they built the bridge over lower glamire rd., and Capwell on Summerhill South Rd, which used to be the Macroom/Coachford line terminus). At least I think the above is correct.
I remember reading in the Land Use & Transportation Study (LUTS) years ago that one of the plans was to extend the commuter rail service into town by the bus station (using the existing rail allignments down by St. Patrick’s Church and over Brian Boru Bridge to the bus station). With the exception of the rail components, most of the LUTS plan was thankfully put in place over the years.

Thanks for that Lex, the timing seems about right. Depends on the design MPH bring to the table, and the degree of public outrage involved …

That first image of the North Docklands you posted seems to suggest that the ‘new’ station will be built to the south of the existing one, ie it will provide new facilities but will use the platforms of the existing station for at least some services.

I had a very peripheral involvement in this a number of years ago, and at that time the thinking was that any new station would have to involve new platforms to the east of the existing station, not least due to the curvature of the platforms (which are still, technically, in breach). This implied that the station would be, in effect, entirely new, and most likely built ‘over’ the track (on a European model with an elevated concourse and stairs/escalators down to the platforms below). This would have left even more room on the river side of the station for a public plaza, bus stops, a taxi rank and ‘kiss and drop’ points, along with what ever private construction was envisaged. Things change, obviously. We’ll just have to wait and see

as fas as i know the albert quay station was also the west cork terminus. that would be a spectacular line to see reestablished and i have often wondered if it could be done. obviousily access to the city centre would need a new route but i have often wondered why nothing has been done with the old line that goes under the dual carriageway to the jack lynch tunnel.
at least that line is still for the most part intact and i think that is the line that passes pairc ui caoimh.an unbelievebable asset to the city would be to have a luas/dart/arrow service from the centre out to mahon point ringaskiddy, carrigaline and so on. we should be grateful that with all the attention the docklands and quays are getting this might become something given serious consideration.
i always thought there was a line above kent station and i assume this is the summerhill station. i didnt know there was a line from cork out to macroom but it is mind boggling to realise how many incredibly stupid short sighted decisions have been made in the past. apparently the west cork line was ripped up intact (the railway) and stuck on a freighter and exported to nigeria by the then govt. (as far as i know) despite the objections of the local people
i would like i said love to see the west cork railway rebuilt. i have long felt this would be a brilliant tourist attraction and for the local population a really great beneficial service. nice dream i guess but it would be amazing to see the chetwynd viaduct and other bridges along the line back in use. always thought crossing the bridge over the bandon river would have been a cool sight (from the train) and the supports/abbutments are still visible.
who knows maybe someday someone with a few spare billion will give it a go!!?!!

Cork City Council are now seeking to engage consultants to carry out a study into the economic oppurtunities for Cork and especially the Docklands.
Amongst the uses already proposed for the docklands include:

6 million sq.ft. of new non-residential uses, including offices, university, retail, cultural and leisure facilities;
• Approximately 6,000 new homes, including high density apartments, student accommodation and family units;
  
• A new university/college campus with science park;
  
• New parks, public spaces and pedestrian routes, a new Marina, moorings and recreation areas;
• A new public transport system including new rail station concourse and bus station;
  
• A new road bridge crossing of the River Lee and pedestrian bridges close to the City Centre and
  
• Consolidation of the Civic Quarter around City Hall at the heart of the expanded City Centre.
  

Dear Jennyol

A new planning course in UCC will indeed begin in October 2006. The course will be first of its kind outside Dublin in Ireland, and they are currently seeking accrediation from the Irish Planning Institute and the Royal Town Planning Association. A symposium on planning and development in UCC is on the cards for next March – when the course will start recruiting students.

Has the Watercourse Road Frinailla plans been pushed out again?

@corcaighboy wrote:

With all the talk above the train station and the rail services to Mildlton, it is actually hard to believe that Cork once had 5 train terminals! .

found this map on the Cork City council website. 5 terminals shown
http://www.corkcorp.ie/ourservices/rac/library/corkpast/maps/images/pdf/1893_Guys.pdf

I’m tired of discussing the vile portakabin on Patricks St. In today’s Examiner, there’a a report on it, along with colour photo. Amazingly, it’s been there since July 2002, a total of 3 years and 4 months. A pledge has been made to have a trendy replacement in place before christmas.

Why does everything take so long to resolve? And, more importantly, why do we need a hut on Pana in the first place? I know the old one was taken away, but is it necessary to have a replacement? Why can’t the busmen find a place within the refurbished Bus Station, a couple of minutes walk away? The owners of H Samuel, Golden Discs and AIB must be thrilled at the prospect of the busmen dropping into the hut for the ould cuppa, chat and changeover from here to eternity.

Someone from city hall should have the balls to tell them to move. They’re an embarrassment to Pana.
And while I’m on the rant – why are there so many cars parked in loading bays in town on Saturdays, especially Oliver Plunkett Street and Patrick Street? Too many parked cars and taxi ranks, ruining the new look of the street, not to mention Caroline Street, beween the Old Oak and Scotts is crammed with cars and jeeps at all times. Unsightly.

UCC say they have never heard of this new town planning course. What faculty will it be in? And how definite is it that it will go ahead?