corkdood

I was walking yesterday along the city quays at low tide and it must be said the river is not a pretty sight when the water levels are low.
The quay walls are encrusted with green weed and the riverbed is strewn with rubbish and clutter including trolleys etc. I think most of us agree that the river should be more of a focal point in our city and this may come to pass when the redevelopment of the docklands gets into gear.

However the river itself is in need of attention to maximise the potential of the city. I am aware that the much maligned main drainage works have improved the water quality in the river to a large extent. However to the casual observer looking into the river it really doesn’t seem that much has changed.

It struck me yesterday that if only the city council had the vision to construct a version of the Thames Barrier to control water levels in the Lee in order to maintain a steady water level along the quays ensuring that the ugly green quay walls were always covered. What a pleasant place the city quays would become. The stench of rotting green seaweed would be merely a memory. Boatingand pleasure trips on the river could become a viable reality. The development of a boardwalk along the river would be feasible and Corkonians could be proud of the Lee instead of holding their noses when they traverse the city’s bridges at low tide. It would also encourage tourism and enhance the image of the city.

Do we as a city have the vision and the wherewithall to bring such a project to life? It is a dream of mine to see such a project brought to fruition in my lifetime. What do others think?

PS If I recall correctly as part of the Cork 2005 programme of events a Lee Swim was to be held during the summer through the city centre. To my knowledge this event never went ahead. Perhaps the smell scared away the swimmers!

Thanks Lexington. You’re a mine of useful information as always. Was just curious as I had seen the for sale signs and there were some site clearance works going on so I assumed something big was on the cards.

Has anyone noticed an improvement in water quality in the Lee or the Harbour area since the main drainage scheme was finished? It looks (and smells) the same to me!

Thanks – reading this forum is always informative!

Originally posted by Nick

What does everyone honestly think of the Crawford Extension?

I’m not impressed by it – it looks like an angry spot thats about to burst!

Originally posted by lexington

🙂 Preliminary construction work is already beginning at the former Statoil at Victoria Cross [/B]

Lexington. Do you know if there are any development planned for the vacant cash and carry which is adjacent to the statoil garage? Its been empty for years now.

Thanks satanta99 & lexington for the information

I’m well aware of the main drainage scheme but the river is dirty and smelly well above that sewage outfall point.

I think the lake by Park Ui Chaoimh is called Lough Mahon – they’ve done a great job on that. i suppose its easier with a lake compared to a river.

Plans are also afoot to demolish Jurys Hotel on western road and build a new hotel complex plus a separate apartment and creche development plus a new bridge linking it with Lancaster Quay

Work has begun on the existing bus station at parnell place. I don’t know what the plans are though. The work so far seems concentrated on the area behind the bus station where the buses used to park. No idea what they’re doing with the building – probably just painting it!