Multi-billion euro Cork docklands plan to be voted on tonight
A special meeting of Cork City Council will discuss final amendments to the multi-billion euro docklands plan tonight.
The South Docklands Local Area Plan, which aims to build 10,000 homes and create employment for 25,000, will get its final seal of approval tonight.
To date, 219 submissions have been received from members of the community and business interests in relation to the plan.
Cork arts and music groups have called for a greater focus on the cultural buildings and a role for the Irish language within the docklands development.
A firm of private architects has advocated building a light-rail system from Passage West through the docklands development and into the city centre.
Among the most significant proposals, councillors will be asked to increase the minimum size of apartments by almost 20%.
The idea is to create thousands of spacious, luxury apartments aimed at families.
Ranging in height from five to seven storeys, the apartment blocks will be dwarfed by four soaring landmark towers, including a 22-storey building on the Marina.
City councillor Dara Murphy, who sits on the Docklands Development Committee, said: “Many of the amendments are simply changes to wording and technical changes. However, increasing the minimum size of apartment blocks is very significant as it will ensure that we have adequate living quarters for families.”
