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CORK CORPORATION
Lord Mayor
Councillor John Murroy
Members
NorthEastElectoral Area
SeanoirJohn Kelleher
Comhairleoiri; Mair!n Quill T.D., liam Burke T.D,
FrankNosh, Tim Brosnan
NorthCentral Electoral Area
Seanoir BernardAlien T.D.,
Comhairleoiri; Joe O'Callaghan, Noel O'Flynn,
ConO'Leary, Damien Wallace
NorthWest Electoral Area
Comhairleoiri; Jimmy Homan, Michael O'Leary,
David McCorthy, Tim Falvey, Fronk Wallace.
SouthEastElectoral Area
SeanoirJimCorr.
Comhairleoiri; Se!?n Becusong, Don Boyle,
1013 O'Flynn, Chrissie Ahern, PearseWyse.
SouthCentralElectoral Area
Seanoir Michael Martin T.D.,
Comhairleoiri; Kathleen Lynch,
John Murray, Tom O'Driscoll,
Seanadoir Denis Cregan
SouthWest Electoral Area
Seanoir John Dennehy T.D. ,
Comhoirleoiri; BrianBermingham, PatMurroy,
Toddy O'SullivanT.D. , P.J.Hourican.
STEERING GROUP
T.P.Rice, CityMonager
Nioll Bradley, Mauricc Moloney, Assistant CityManage"
Vincent Barretl, AIAssistantCityManager
JimO'Donovan, Assistant Town Clerk
Liam Filzgcrald, CityEngineer
Nail Hegarty, CityArchilect
JohnO'Donnell, CityPlanning Officer
TimHealy, Administrative Off icer
Sharon Corcora n, StaffO l ~ c e r , Planning
Kathleen Lynch, A/Finance Officer
Maurice Hurley, CityArchaeologist.
PROJECT TEAM
Urban Initiotives
Kelvin Campbell, Chris While, Borry Show
CorkCorporation
Pat Ledwidge, Ann Bogan, Don Looney, Tony Fleming
Sean Boyle
Speciolist Advisors
Prof. Eddie Friel, Universityof Strathclyde,
Jonothan Baldock, Hill ier Parker,
Jack Wmhaw, Conservation Consultant,
Roger Flack, Hamilton Osborne King.
CONSULTATIVE GROUP
Potricio McCarthy, Slella Cherry, Dove Gibbons,
Kmin Haurihon, Rase Cleory, TomMcNeice, Pal Roche,
Dr. Maum Cronin, John McCarthy, Donol Mannix,
Rosorie Murphy, Don Conroy, John Fitzgerold,
DominicCullina ne; Padroig O'Cuonochain, Con O'Cannoill,
Sgl, John O'Brien, Dr. Alicio SI Leger, John Hanrohon,
Pot Holohan, Pa t looney, Freddic O'Dwyer, Sr.M.Reginold,
Joe Sheehon, Waiter Stansfold, Joe Coughlon, Pot Buckley,
Canon Donal Li nehon and Vivienne Rache.
CORK
HISTORIC CENTRE ACTION PlAN
Prepared by
CorkCorporation
and Urban Initiatives
Supported by
The Europecn Commission
April 1994
Summary
The Action Plan for theHistoric Centre ofCork, approved byIhe
City Council on31 stJanuary 1994, presents Cork Corporation's
case for the regeneration of Cork's Historic Centre. It was
commissioned with the assistance of theEuropean Commission,
as part oftheConservation of European Cities Programme and
prepared byCork Corporation personnel and consultants, Ur-
ban Initiatives.
The Historic Centre lies within the former medieval walled city.
The plan also considers adjacent areas which have a direct
impact ontheHistoricCentre. Its objectives aretobring economic
and social life back to the Historic Centre, resolve current
environmental problems (including those caused by traffic),
promote conservation ofthebuilt fabric andencourage a variety
of uses tolocate there, thus generating the wealth tomaintain it
as a living entity.
Section 1sets the StudyArea in thecontextofthe city, and inthe
planning policy framework, highlighting the major unemploy-
ment problem. Section 2(Chapters2-6)describes theStudyArea
and itshistorical development andreviews the buil t heritageand
thepublic realm, urban development and the property market,
commercial health, traffic network and tourism.
Section 3 (Chapters 7-13) sets outthedetailed proposals. The
plan advocates an integrated approach with public funding used
tocreate the conditions toattract private investment. Particularly
important istheproposed traffic circulation framework which will
reduce theadverse environmental impactoftraffic and improve
both circulation and accessibility.
Proposals arealsoput forward 10 enhance heritage buildings, to
encourage mixed use developments and to promote living in
Historic Centre, supported byimprovement of the public realm.
These measures are organisedaround two activity spines which
focus ontheHistoric Centre:a north/southsocio-economicspine
stretching from Shandon tothetopofBarrack Streetandaneast/
west visitor/leisure spine from Emmett Place totheMardyke.
The plan provides detailed costs and enabling mechanisms
(Chapter 12-13) including a partnership approach, an imple-
mentation body, innovative urban renewal incentives and a
demonstration project strategy. E.U. Structural and Cohesion
Funds, Central Government programmes andlocal contributions
are identified as possible funding sources. The Action Plan sets
out the basis for theallocation of funds for the Historic Centre
under the National Plan. Cork Corporation has alsosecured
financial assistance of 1.75MECU from theEuropean Commis-
sion towards an Urban Pilot Project of 2.9 MECU, which is in
effect theimplementation of the first phase of the Action Plan.
Corcaigh Pleon Gniamhaiochta do Cheort-lcr Arsa na Cathrach
Coimriu
Gh/acComhairle ChathairChorcai leis anbPlean Gnoimhaiochta
do Cheart Lar Arsa na Cathrach or an 31 u Eanair, 1994.
Tionscnaiodh an Plean le cabhair Choimisiun na hEorpa mar
chuid da Chlar um Chaomhnu Cathracha na hEorpa, agus
cuireann se cas an Bhardais d'Athbheochan na Cathrach.
Comh-fhoireann on mBardas agus 0 na comhairligh Urban
Initiatives a chuir an Plean lechei/e.
Is laistigh de ch/ai theorainn mheanaoiscach no Cathrach ataan
lar ionadatsa, ach airitear chomh maith na ceantair maguaird.
Siad aidhmeanna an Phleain na an saol soisia/ta agus
eaenamaiochta a athmhuseailt reiteach o'fhail ar fhadbanna
comhshaoil na linne seo, cothabhail ar no foirgnimh .ann a
spreagadh agus acmhainn a chur ar fail d'fhonn anlar-ionad
arsa a choimeadbee briomhar tri gnothai eagsula a mhealladh ann.
Cuireann an chead chuid den Phlean Ceantar an staideir i
gcomhtheacs no eathrach agus framaiocht and pholasai
ph/eanala, ag tabhairt suntais domhorfhadhbnadifhostaiochta.
Deantar eur sios sa dara euid (Caib 2-6) ar cheantar an
tionscnaimh agus trachtann se at oidhreacht a thogala agus a
shaoil phoibli, or fhorbairt cathrach agus diol agus ceannach
tithe, ar a shaol trachtala, ar a ghreasan trachta agus ar
thurasoireacht.
Ta no mion-sonrai igeuid a tri (Caib 7-13) Moltar airgeadpoibli
a usaid chun bonn a ehur ar fail a mheallfaidh infheistioeht
phriobhaideach. Ta tabhacht faoi leith ag baint leis an
bhframaioehtdoghluaiseacht trachta. Laighdeoidh se sea droch
thionchar an trachta or an dtimpeallacht agus cuirfidh se le
gluaiseacht agus insroichteacht.
Moltar chomh maith go gcuirfear le clu foirgneamh orsa, go
ndeanfar forbairt mheasehta ann agus go spreagfar lonnaioeht
sa Cheart Lar Arsa. Ta no gniomhaioehtai, sea eagraithe or dha
spion: ceannsoeheachnomaioch 0 ritheann on Seandun goBarr
Srna Beairice agus spion cuartaiochta/scithe0 Phlas anEimitigh
go dti an Mhairdiog.
Tugann an P/ean mionchostaisi agus gniomhartha (Caib 12-13)
mar ata: rannphairtiocht, comhlaeht eomhlionaithe, dreasaehtai
d'athnuachan uirbeach agus straiteis tionsenamh leirithe. Tathar
ag suil go bhfaighfear airgead 0 Chisti Strueturtha agus
Comhagreamaithe anAontais Eorpaigh, 0 Chlaracha an Rialtais
agus on gcomharsanacht. Leagann an Plean Gniomhaiochta
amach bunus airgeadd'fhail don Cheart LarArsa faoi choimiree
anPhleain Naisiunta. Ta 1.75MECU faighte agBardas Chorcai
on gCoimisiun Eorpach lehaghaidh Beartas Pio/ota Uirbeach, a
chosnoidh or fad 2.9 MECU; seata anseono gniomhu an chead
chuidden Ph/ean Gniomhaiochta.
CORK HISTORIC CENTRE ACnON PLAN
Contents
Page
SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION
1. Preamble 3
Background
Planning Policy Framework
Unemployment
Historic CentreAction PlanObjectives
Statement of Issues
SECTION TWO : CONTEXT AND ISSUES
2. TheStudyArea Context 9
Definition of the StudyArea
SocialContext
3. Historical Context 13
TheMedieval City
Stages in the Development ofCork
4. The Built Heritage and the Public Realm
Problems in Conservationand Maintenance 17
HeritageAppraisal
Qualityof the Public Realm
Major Opportunity Sites
5. Urban Development Process 25
Commercial Overview
City CentrePlanning Policy
Urban Renewal Incentives
A Landuse Profile
Regeneration Strategies
Housing
Tourism
Lead Industrial Sectors
Product Improvement and Marketing
6. Movement and Networks 33
Transport Infrastructure
Traffic Operations
HighwayDevelopment
Public Transport
Parking Management
Lorry Management
Traffic Modelling and Assessment
Summary
)
Corealgh Plecn Gniomhaiach ta do Cheort-lcr Arsa na Cathrach
SECTION THREE: PROPOSALS 11. Developing Conservationand Urban 79
Design Strategies which Respectthe
7. Reintegration of the StudyArea into 41 Historic Fabric
the Mainstreamof the Life of the City
in Economic, Commercial and SocialTerms, Developing 0 New Approach
in a Manner which is Sustainable Conservation Area Strategy
Building Canservation Objectives
Defining a New Role for the Historic Centre Urban Design Strategy
TheNeed for a Tourism Review Urban Design Guidelines
Tourism Development Strategy Major Opportunity Sites
The Green Link Programme
Socio-Economic Development Strategy
TheHistoric Spine Programme 12. Developing the Enabling Mechanisms to 87
Strotegic Role of the Historic Centre PromoteResponsive Growth and Change
of the Historic Centre
8. Resolving the Problems Related to 47 Defining a New Approach
the Environmental Impact of Traffic The Partnership Approach
The Implementation Body
Defining a NewApproach Demonstration Project Strategy
Historic Centre Programme Promotion Campaign
Key Issues Directed Incentives
Overall Traffic Framework
Action Area Strategy
Historic SpineScheme 13. Developing Funding Strategies for 97
CityCentre Proposals IncorporationintoCommunity Support
Dynamic TrafficManagement Proposals FundFrameworks
Continued Development Strategy
Summary The Funding Strategy
Implementation Programme
Cork Corporation Inputs
9. Regenerate the Historic Parts of the City 55
Defining a New Approach
Public Realm Strategy
Gateways Strategy
APPENDICES
laneways Strategy
Waterfront Strategy
1. MajorOpportunity Sites
Hinge Point Strategy
2. Traffic Schemes
Historic Precincts Development Strategy
3. Cost Schedules
Public Open Space Strategy
10. Developing Strategies for MixedUse 71
which will Promotethe Responsive Growth
and Change of the Historic Centre
The Mixed Use Strategy
The Upper Floors Programme
The Warehouse Conversion Programme
Arts and cultural Programme
Public Arts Strategy
Arts andRegeneration
CORK HISTORIC CENTRE ACTION PLAN
,
2
CORK HISTORIC CENTRE ACTION PLAN 3
1. Preamble
Top: Aerial Photograph of theHistoric Centre of
Cork, viewedfrom the north-west
This document presents Cork Corporation's casefor theregen-
eration of the Historic Centre of Cork as part of the European
Commission funded ConservationofEuropean Cities programme.
The project is focused on the Historic Centre of Cork and
addresses the issue of bringing economic and commercial life
backtothe medieval centre, which iscurrently in a poorstate of
preservation andsuffering from economic difficulties. The initia-
tive is multi-layered and includes issues todo with living inthe
city, training and jobcreation, andenvironmental improvement.
The report introducesthebackground tothestudy, outl ines the
objectives and examines thehistorical, economic, commercial,
social and physical context of the study area. The subsequent
chapters address the key issues of the study and include the
development of new approaches, programmes for action, and
implementation strategies involving partnerships between the
public, private and voluntary sectors in Cork.
4
BACKGROUND
Cork isthe second largest city inthe Republic of Ireland and is
administered byCork Corporation. The Greater Cork Areahas
a population ofapproximately 231,000, ofwhich 127,000are
within theadministrative area oftheCork Corporation.
Cork is a major regional centre for commerce, industry, culture
and education. It isalsoan important entry point for visitors to
theregion, serviced bya ferry port andairport with links tothe
U.K. and mainland Europe.
Planning Policy Framework
Strategic planning policies forthe Greater Cork Areaare setout
in the land Use and Transportation Study (lUTS) which was
completed in 1978 and reviewed in 1991. The Cork City
Development Plan adopted in1992,andsetwithin thecontext of
thelUTS Review, provides theplanning policy framework.
The land Use andTransportation Study Review wascarried out
byCork Corporation andCork County Council with the collabo-
ration ofthemajor public organisations intheCorkarea, i.e., The
Industrial Development Authority, larnrod Eireann (Rail Com-
pany), Bus Eireann, Fas (National Training Organisation), Cork
Harbour Commissioners andtheDepartment oftheEnvironment
(Central Government). The solutions formulated in the Review
are thus understood andsupported bythepublic agencies inthe
sub-region.
The 1978Plan wasparticularly successful insecuring funding for
infrastructure, particularly roaddevelopment which hassubstan-
tially easedthepressure oftraffic ontheCity Centre. However,
there has been a considerable shortfall in meeting targets for
employment and in consequence theunemployment ratefor the
Greater Cork Areahasrisen from 8%in1976toapproximately
20%in 1993. The purpose of theReview of theland Use and
Transportation Studywastoensure thewider andmore effective
implementation of thebasic objectives of the 1978 Plan, while
also responding fully tochanged circumstances.
The lUTS Review putforward three main packages ofinitiatives:
Broadening of Lead Locations
This initiative seeks todevelop new locations for rapidly develop-
ing sectors such as international services, electronics andprofes-
sions, infor example, Ballincollig, theCity Centre, Blarney and
Mahon. Supporting measures to make these areas pleasant
environmentally andresidentially would beneeded, particularly
inMahon and theCity Centre.
Chapter 1. Preamble
North-East Corridor
Emphasis on Manual Employment and Tourism: This initiative
involves a policy of remedial economic interventions, located-in
a corridor extending southwards from Blarney, through the
northside of thecity and eastwards to little Island, Cobh and
Midleton. The development oftourist attractions isan important
element inthis initiative.
Urban Density/Transport
This initiative is designed to minimise congestion and adverse
environmental effects which might otherwiseoccur ifthedecline
in city population andthegrowth in scattered rural housing were
allowed tocontinue unchecked.
This is tobeachieved byimproving transport choice inthecity,
extending transport choice from suburbs andoutlyingtowns by
improving busservices, and containing decentral ising tenden-
cies by renewal near theCity Centre and consolidation at the
edgeof the city.
The Importance of the City Centre
The Review alsostressed the importance of an interesting and
lively City Centre andtheneed toreverse thecurrent decline in
City Centre employment and population. The achievemeni of
these objectives also implies themaintenance andenhancement
of its physical fabric and historiccharacter.
In theCork City Development Plan, theCity Centre isidentifiedas
having thelargest concentration ofemployment intheCorkArea.
In addition ithasa significant though declining population and
fulfils many of the shopping, entertainment and social needs of
the people of Cork. It also has a major influence on visitor's
perceptions oftheCork Area. In ordertomaintaina vibrant City
centre itisnecessarytostimulate the demand forland. This policy
hasbeen successful inreducing the amount ofvacant land inthe
City Centre by40%since 1979.
In ordertocontinue this trend, andtoreverse thefall in CityCentre
employment and population, theDevelopment Plan setout the
following objectives:
Maintaining anddeveloping policies tohelp existing uses in
theCity Centre, while at thesame time adjusting them totake
account of recent shifts indevelopment practice;
Encouraging innovation in types of development and new
types of economic activity, making use of theCity Centre's
waterfront areasandtourist attractions tohelp such activity;
CORK HISTORIC CENTRE ACTION PLAN
Taking additional measures toensure thatvacant property
comes on tothemarket in worthwhile quantities at realistic
prices, and to discourage the practice of holding vacant
properly as an investment asset rather than for use or
development.
Unemployment
The period since the publication of theoriginal Land Use and
Transportation Study hasbeen exceptionally difficult for theCork
Area in employment terms. Actual employment in theGreater
CorkAreawasestimated at 75,400 jobs in1990compared with
theprojection of 90,100 madein theLUTS Study, a short fall of
circa16%.
The majorlosses were inthemanufacturing area, particularly in
the traditional industries. Whereas the Greater Cork Area
achieved 1,235new jobs perannum in theperiod 1978-1989,
losses exceeded this at 1,580perannum. If losses had been at
the LUTS projection of 330 per annum theemployment target
would have been reached.
The consequence of this trend has been theloss of employment
opportunities inoccupations which are primarily manual. The
employment opportunities being created in more high tech
industries donot tend tosuit thepeaple in these occupations. The
result hasbeentheconcentration of unemployment in Cork City
in areas of the northsidesuch as Knocknaheeny, Hollyhill, The
Glen and Mayfield and on a smaller scale in theSouthside, in
TogherandMahon. The city wide unemployment ratehasrisen
from 5%in 1971 tonearly 30%.
These trends of rising unemployment and increased geographi-
calconcentration oftheresultant social deprivation carrya grave
risk of ghettoisation in particular parts of the city and their
isolation from themainstream. These issues have beeninvesti-
gated in theNorthside Study prepared byCork Corporation in
1990.
A major conclusion of this study was that unemployment was
lessened where the population affected has social interaction
with economically active peaple, as many employment opportu-
nities wereinformal. Thus social mix should bea major objective
in addressing unemployment.
The North Lee Development Company was set up by Central
Government as a partnership body in response totheproblems
generated bylong-term unemployment. In addition, Initiative 2
in theLUTS Review had specific proposals which addressed the
needfor manual employment andaccess toemployment concen-
trations in theNorth-East Corridor, which includes theNorthside
of Cork City.
5
HISTORIC CENTRE ACTION PLAN OBJECTIVES
The Corporation's proposal for a study of the problems and
potential of the Historic Centre was one of 18 studies in the
Conservation of European Cities Programme supported bythe
European Commission. The purpose ofthestudy istodevelop in
detail, in consultation with local interests, proposals in theCity
Development Plan, identify sources of funding and set out an
implementation programme. The study objectives are to:
Restore rundown historic parts of the city and
respect thearchitectural and historic fabric inany
solutions adopted;
Develop mixed functions/land uses;
Produce solutions forresolving problems related to
the environmental impact of traffic and improve
public transport;
Reintegrate the historic core into the social, eco-
nomicand commercial life of thecity and region;
Develop actions forincorporation into theCommu-
nity Support Fund framework;
Bring together other"actors" inthecity.
Approach
The consultants have promoted an interactive approach to
identifyi ngtheconstraints andopportunities ofthestudy area. In
workingalongsidetheofficers ofCork Corporation, local knowl-
edgehasbeen brought together with a fresh perspective offered
bytheconsultants team.
Specialist advisers inkey areasofconservation, urban econom-
ics, town centre management, tourism development and traffic
andtransport planning have been introduced totheprogramme
with clearly defined briefs to undertake thefollowing:
Initial appraisal of study area and context;
Consultation with key "actors" inrelevant fields;
Participation inworkshops examining key topics;
Preparation of initial responses which provide a European
perspective to the problems; relate their experience on
projects ofa similar nature; illustrate best practice rneihods:
use their perceptions, judgement andexperience toshowthe
wayforward; and, propose mechanisms forimplementation
of ideas.
6
Working papers prepared by the specialists have provided a
framework within which theCore Team could develop ideasand
strategies for regeneration of theHistoric Centre.
Desktop Studies
Alarge body of source material isavailable on thestudy area
and its context covering a broadrangeof subjects including:
archaeology and historical development ofCork;
planning and transport policies;
special area studies (waterfronts etc.);
retail demand studies;
tourism reports.
Site Surveys and Mapping
Aseries ofsurveys andmapping exercises ofthestudy areahave
been undertaken which include:
photographic survey;
land-use and building occupancy surveys;
site familiarisation visits bytheconsultant team;
mapping of study area toidentify landownership's,
planning applications, green structure, etc. .
Workshops
Aseries of"workshops" or seminars were run onspecialist topic
areaswith key people invited toparticipate andputforward their
perceptions oftheproblems andpotentials ofthestudy area. The
topics include:
conservation and heritage development;
retail and business development;
tourism and cultural development.
Public Consultation
In addition tothe workshops, key people andorganisations have
been consulted on a wide rangeof issues. These include:
Elected members of Cork Corporation;
Educational interests;
Church leaders;
Community groups;
Tourism interests;
Arts and cultural interests;
Business leaders and associations;
Traders groups in thearea.
Chapler 1. Preamble
STATEMENT OFISSUES
The Action Plan fortheHistoric Centre isundertaken within the
structure of a cleorly defined policy framework and philosophy
set out in theCork City Development Plan. Account has been
taken ofthe Green Paper ontheUrban Environment towhich the
European Commission brief for theAction Plan makes reference.
The following fundamental issues are recognised:
The needtoadoptan holistic viewofthestudy area
and promote a balanced approach to land-use,
urban transport, environmental and local commu-
nity issues;
The "essence" oftheEuropean city bathinterms of
role and performance oftheHistoric Centre at city,
district, local area, street and building scales. This
is of particular importance to urban quality and
standards inCork relative to other European cen-
tres;
Reduction ofdependence on thecar bypromoting
public transport, cyclist and pedestrian activity in
thecity. Urban density isalsoa means of reducing
car use;
Creating liveable cities by the reintroduction of
residential development in theHistoric Centre;
Developing mixed uses in order to creatediverse
sustainableenvironments which areattractive tothe
urban dweller andpromote local economic activity;
Enabling mechanisms involving partnerships be-
tween the public, private and voluntary sectors in
inifiating, developing, implementingandmanaging
urban regeneration projects;
The development of the heritage potential of the
Historic Centre in attracting tourism activity and
creation af jobs.
CORK HISTORIC CENTRE ACTION PlAN 7
8
CORK HISTORIC CENTRE ACTION PLAN
.........
o 50 100 150
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9
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I
2.
Top:
The Study Area Context
The Study Area, showing the Historic Centre
on both sides of North and South Main Street.
KeyBuildings shown include:
1 North Cathedral
2 5tAnne's Church, 5handon
3 Firkin Crane Centre
4 5t Peter's Church
5 The Court House
6 Christchurch
7 5t Finbarr's Cathedral
8 Elizabeth Fort
9 Crawford ArtGallery
DEFINITION OF THE STUDY AREA
The HistoricCentre ofCork lieswithinthe oldmedieval city walls
and comprises the city blocks flanking North and South Main
Street, extending from Northgate toSouthgate bridges. Th isarea
is currently bounded byBachelor's Quay/Kyrls Quay, Grattan
Street, Corn Market/Grand Parade and the River Lee South
Channel.
Although the study focuses on the medieval centre it is essential
that its edgeconditions and linkages toother areas be consid-
ered. The study area therefore encompasses adjacent areas
which are geographically connected or havea direct impact on
the centre both in terms ofhistorical development and functional
inter-relationships.
Linkages toother areasoutside the Study Area, which might have
an impact on theHistoric Centre, have also been considered.
10
Adjacent Areas
The areas, immediately adjacent tothe Historic Centre, that have
been considered in the Study Areainclude:
The Marsh Area bounded by Bachelors Quay, Grenville
Place, Grattan Street and Sheares Street;
Washington Street Precinct bounded by Sheares Street,
Grattan Street, Mardyke Street and theSouth Channel;
Crosses Green bounded by the South Channel, Sharman
Crawford Street, and Bishop Street/Proby'sQuaytoinclude
St. Finbarr's Cathedral and Elizabeth Fort;
Barrack Street Precinct from Southgate Bridge tothestart of
Bandon Road;
Sullivan's Quayextending from Southgate Bridge toMary
Street;
Grand Parade East Side extending from South Mall to St.
Patrick's Street;
Corn Market Street to Emmet Place extending from Paul
Street tolavitt's Quay;
Shandon Areabounded bytheNorth Channel, Upper John
Street/Roman Street, Cathedral Street andShandon Street,
focusing ontheformer Buttermarket;
Shandon Street Precinct extending from Northgate Bridge to
Cathedral Road;
North Mall Area bounded by the North Channel, Blarney
Street, Shandon Street and thewarehouses at thewestern
endof North Mall;
The North and South Channels of theRiver lee.
KeyLinkages
Key linkages toareas outside theStudy Areainclude:
Sunday's Well Road;
Steps from North Mall/Pope's Quay to Blarney Street,
Shandon and beyond;
Shandon Street to the North Cathedral and beyond to
Gerald Griffin Street;
Chapler 2. TheStudy Area Context
St. Patrick's Quay/lavitt's Quay along the banks of the
North Channel;
Paul Street to Emmet Place to include thepedestrianisation
zoneand links toStPatick's Sireet;
St. Patrick's Street toMacCurtain Street and beyond toKent
Railway Station;
Oliver Plunkett Street totheeastern tipof theIsland;
South Mall;
South Terrace/Sullivan's Quay;
Douglas Street;
Evergreen Street/Friar Street;
Bandon Road/Barrack Street;
Gillabey Street;
Western Road;
Mardyke Walk extending outtotheUniversity Athletic
Grounds.
CORK HISTORIC CENTRE ACTIONPLAN
Area 1981-86 1986-91
City -2 -4.5
The Marsh (Centre B) 16 -12
Shandan (Shandon B) -26 -18
Barrack Street (Southgale B) -15 -12
Table 1. %Decline in population
11
SOCIAL CONTEXT
There are approximately 3,000 peaple living inthe study area,
concentrated inthreedistinct communities intheMarsh, Shandon
and Barrack Street. These are all residential areas of long
standing but the communities within them have undergone
varying degrees ofchange in recent years. Othersmall residen-
tial pockets exist, such as North Mall andDaltons Avenue, butthe
vast bulk of thepopulation live in thethree areas mentioned.
All the residential communities in the study area have been
undergoing continuous decline for some decades. The decline
was probably most dramatic in theMarsh area in the middle
decades of the century when large areas were cleared and
people moved out to the suburbs. In recent years population
decline has continued in ell three areas. Table 1 shows the
population change in the three wards which most Iypically
correspond totheareas under discussion.
The decline in population in all parts ofthestudy area waswell
above the city average and particularly acute in Shandon.
Although theratehasslowed somewhat since theearly 1980's,
thecontinuous fall in population must give considerablecause for
concern.
Age Profile
In all parts ofthe studyarea theproportion ofyoung people iswell
belowaverage, while thenumber ofoldpeople isabove average
for thecity.
The proportion of older people in the Marsh is particularly
striking. This is due largely to the concentration of SHARE
housing in the area (voluntary housing organisation for the
elderly). The proportion ofchildren inthe Marsh islow, as isthe
proportion ofpeople inthe15-44age group. Family housing in
thearea islargely local authority housing andisconcentrated in
theareas adjoining Grattan Street. The Marsh hasthehighest
concentration of public housing in theCity Centre, and a high
proportion of private rented accommodation. It also has a
significant institutional population associated with the Mercy
Hospital and the Franciscan Friary.
Shandon hasa lower than average proportion ofyoung people,
butan above average proportion in the 25-44age group. The
local community association feels that, as older people die, an
increasing numberoffamilies aremoving into theareatooccupy
thevacated houses. This is reflected in increased demand for
their pre-school and youth club services in the last couple of
years, although not yet reflected in census returns.
OlA 15-24 25-44 4564
.'
12
Area
City
The Marsh
Shandon
Barrack St
23
12
lA
12
21
19
20
25
26
19
29
24
19
23
18
21
65+
11
27
18
18
Chapter 2 . The Sludy Area Context
The trend of lower than average proportion of children and
higher than average proportion of old people is continued in
Barrack Street. Anotable feature here is thehigh proportion of
people in the15-24 age group. This isattributed tothe large
number of houses which are rented to students, due to the
proximityofthe University, The residents' association argues that
as much as 25% of houses are occupied bystudents in certain
areas, resulting in a substantial transient element in thecomrnu-
nity.
Unemployment
Table 2. Age Structure of Population 1991 (%).
In 1986(the most recent detailed figures available) there was
considerable variation in unemployment levels in the city, rang'
ing from 6%in some of the more affluent south sidewards, to
nearly 50%in some wards where local authority housing domi
nated, giving an average of 22.5%for thecity.
Unemployment City Marsh
Rote
1981 11 11
1986 22.5 22
Shandon Barrack
Street
11 8
23.5 22
Unemployment levels in thestudy area were similar tothecity
average in 1986 (See Table 31 .
Atpresent the city unemployment rate isapproximately 30%and
if past trends have continued, it is likely tobeat a similar level in
the study areo. Unemployment is highest among those with
manual skills. Unemployment, particularly long term unemploy
ment, isobviously a significant social problem in thestudy area,
Residents express particular concerns aboutemployment pros'
pects for young people.
Table 3. Unemployment Rates %.
CORK HISTORIC CENTRE ACTION PLAN
3. Historical Context
13
The Medieval City
The medieval walled city waseffectively an island development,
with a strong north/south central spine connected tobridges at
either end, anda small enclosedwharf at its centre. The medieval
street plan is more or less retained inthemodern street pattern
as North and South Main Street.
Many of the laneways and alleys leading off the former main
street at right angles still exist. Others are fossilised in thelayout
ofhouses, with doorways toyards andother properties marking
thelocation ofoldroutes. The sizeofproperty units is, in general,
still as it was in medieval times, although the facades are set
further apart than intheoriginal plan. Remnants of theoldwall
areknown toexist andhavebeen uncovered invarious archaeo-
logical excavations.
Top: Late Medieval Cork
Source: Pacata Hibernia
The old city survived in its present form largely because of
expansion which occurred inthe 18th and 19th Centuries and
reduced demand for change inthehistoric area. This expansion
was facilitated bythegradual infilling of many of themarshes
andculverting ofthewaterways. This pattern remains in theform
of St Patrick's Street and Grand Parade, both beyond theold
boundary butnow at thecentre of the urban area.
14
J545: This map is basedon the earliest known map of
Cork. The city wa; entirely walled in with many mural
towers. The only entrances were the north andsouth
gates with limited habitation depicted outside the city
walls.
J726: The citywalls on the east andwest hadbeen
demolished. The east andnorth-east marshes are being
rapidly built upandthe first of the river channels was
reclaimed. Ribbon development hadcausedextensive
suburbs andthe Mardyke Had been created.