Readers Blog: Residential areas being decimated by student developments
I wish to alert your readership to the over-development of both private and purpose-built student accommodation, both current and proposed, in the southside of Cork City.
It is true to say that the complete lack of forward sustainable planning amounts to the decimation of a once-mature residential area.
On walking through the area, one gets the comparison of what it was then and what it is now.
It seems that developers — both local and overseas — are determining planning policy in Ireland, with residents suffering the unfortunate consequences.
I appreciate that student accommodation is in short supply, but feel that maximising student numbers in our third level institutions, without having the means to house them is of short-term benefit.
I spoke to a representative of UCC recently who acknowledged the situation and proposed that Cork City Council enact a strategic plan for the development of the area.
I read that An Tánaiste Mr Simon Coveney envisages high-rise blocks in the city centre and/or docklands areas ‘Coveney: 25% of Cork yet to be built’ (Irish Examiner, February 20).
Cork is a former market town and this generic development may be regarded as progressive and make us look like everywhere else, but it doesn’t maintain or respect the particular heart of Cork which makes it home to many and adopted home to some. We can surely adhere to growth while keeping the flavour of the city intact?
