Cork County Council has applied to An Bord Pleanála for permission to upgrade Mallow Town Park, setting out an ambitious project for the amenity. Plans had been underway for several years to redevelop the Town Park as part of the Council’s overall objective of enhancing Mallow’s public spaces. The proposed works include the redevelopment of the playground into a skate park and playground, new entrances to the park along the Park Road, new footpaths connecting the river walk to the park road, looped routes within the park for walking and jogging, a new reinforced grass multi-use events area, and a ‘pump track’. The plan also involves the widening of the current river walk footpaths from two to three metres, and landscaping works, including the planting of 196 semi-mature native trees and hedges.
Summary of proposed improvements
Enhancement of existing park entrances and construction of new entrances along Park Road and to connect to the existing recently improved paths to the N20.
Widening of existing river walk footpaths from 2m to 3m c. 1.6km long and widened pedestrian bridge crossing of the Caherduggan/Spa Glen stream.
Construction of new footpaths connecting the existing riverside walk to Park Road, providing increased access and connectivity to Mallow Town Centre and Mallow Bridge boardwalk. The proposed path network will also provide looped routes within the park for walking, jogging etc.
Enhancing and maximising the use of the of existing grass playing pitches (GAA, rugby and soccer) and provision of training area.
Construction of a reinforced grass, multi-use events area.
Construction of five angling stands (incl. one accessible stand) on the banks of the River Blackwater.
Redevelopment of the existing playground, and construction of a skate plaza and ‘pump’ track.
Provision of bicycle and controlled car parking areas, park fencing; signage; drainage; furniture, planting, site development and landscaping works, including the planting of over 196 semi-mature trees and 400 lin.m. of native hedges.
The proposals will retain, protect and enhance existing vegetation and habitats within the park. Changes to grassland management will incorporate measures to enhance biodiversity following the ‘All-Ireland Pollinator Plan’.
Welcoming the development, Cllr. Gearóid Murphy said: “There are some fantastic concept drawings for how the new park will look when the works have been carried out. I am particularly excited about the skate park, which will be one of the very few in Cork County when it is completed. Mallow is a town with a growing number of young families and it is great to see how a facility like this will cater for them. The plans will complement the new playground and walled gardens at Mallow Castle perfectly.”
Public consultation on the plans is open until 13th July, after which they will continue through planning process with An Bord Pleanála. A copy of the detailed plans and particulars of the proposed development and the Natura Impact Statement are on public display for a period of six weeks until 13th July at the following locations; the consultation website of Cork County Council at www.corkcoco.ie/en/planning; Kanturk-Mallow Municipal District Office, Cork County Council, Annabella, Mallow, between the hours of 9am and 5pm on each working day, by appointment with a member of the Council staff by calling 022/21123, or by emailing kanturkmallow.md@corkcoco.ie