hans aus dtschl wrote: » The only thing that I can think of is that they're just using the sustainable transport grants as resurfacing funds. Same thing out in Wilton, it's another dog's dinner, but the road is smooth. This type of thinking is alien to them. I've been variously told by some of the design teams: "hopefully nobody will use it" in reference to bad scheme about to break ground soon..."what about the people driving?" in reference to the narrowing of the footpaths to widen the traffic lanes... and "Well I certainly wouldn't cycle it" in reference to another scheme about to start. These were by the people tasked with designs themselves. It's cars or nothing, at the moment.
snotboogie wrote: » 21 weeks since An Taisce’s appeal to ABP regarding The Prism. I think they said 18 weeks for a decision originally, I wonder when we’ll see one
who_me wrote: » If it's approved (big IF), it'll be interesting to see if/when construction starts. IMO we're seeing a big mix in approaches, from the "almost immediate" (Penrose Dock, Horgan's Quay etc.) to the "approved then disappear into the netherworld" (Mahon Point tower, Sullivan's Quay hotel etc.) Since this is - IIRC - the same developer as the Custom House quay tower, it'd give a good indication of the likely progress of that development too.
Rhys Essien wrote: » The developers were in town a few weeks back so hopefully we’ll hear a bit of positive news soon.
snotboogie wrote: » In Cork if BAM, JCD, OCP or a public body are not involved it’s a very bad sign; Camden Quay, Trinity Quarter, Merchants Quay, The M, Wilton SC, Penny’s, the Square Deal and about 5 more major student apartments serve as an example. Post recession, I think the only project which has started without them is the South Mall Maldron.
who_me wrote: » I've been very critical of BAM (for obvious reasons), but to their credit the Dean hotel is shooting up at an incredible pace, and it took very little time to pretty much level the rest of the HQ site. Fair play to them.
Markcheese wrote: » Is bam the main contractor, or developer and builder on the hotel?
who_me wrote: » I look at that and all I can see is - wouldn't that make a spectacular outdoor eating/drinking venue. The venue for the new Sextant? :P Any idea what was on that site previously?
Kilboor wrote: » Love Cork City but definitely need to brighten up your river side buildings and areas more.
who_me wrote: » Amen. The quay-sides themselves need a lot of TLC too; they're in a horrible state, and the Patrick's Bridge renovations show just how good they could look. Looking at the quay-side opposite my place: the bottom several feet of the quay walls are several feet of sea-weed. Above that, a bit of green algae(?). Then above the water line, the walls are black, covering both the stone and the slapped-on concrete that was clumsily added at some point, then some fairly naff looking railings. Oh, and not to forget the ugly pipes and cables which have been bolted on, and - in the case of the cables - come loose and are hanging down into the river. It'd be great if they could even renovate one quay (wall, railing, and path) per year.
mrpdap wrote: » So what do you think of the OPW/CCC plans to replace the existing quay walls with higher concrete ones to prevent flooding?
CHealy wrote: » I would say Cork City has never connected with its river, despite it being a unique feature of the city with the way it splits creating a mini Manhattan-like island.
Kilboor wrote: » Exactly this! I'm a Limerick man so a little biased on nice rivers, even Limerick turns its back on the river but in the areas that are nice like the Curragower falls, or the two renovated quays it really really adds a lot to the city and are nice refreshing wide open areas to relax, walk the dog, run etc. Didn't find anything like this in Cork. Literally the only thing I'd say missing from Cork, great city apart from that! (Oh I could complain about traffic and streets but it's fine I prefer walking there anyway)
who_me wrote: » There are some very nice walkways, and grassy riverside banks, but not central at all. Notably - Fitzgerald Park and the Lee Fields (it's a pity there isn't a pedestrian bridge at the end of the Lee Fields so you could return on the far bank). And the Marina is great, and parts of the Mahon ring. But the city-centre riverside areas are generally poor.
Shedite27 wrote: » Shure haven't we covered most of it. The most striking aspect of it in the city is the steps up the offices on the Mall.
Markcheese wrote: » And all for a bargain price, ( I wonder what the excuse will be, and the revised costings for the whole scheme, when they blow the budget sky high on Morrison Island...
AugustusMinimus wrote: » Tidal barrier is an absolute no brainier. If the tidal barrier has the ability to keep water levels at even mid tide, then it is basically impossible for cork city to flood given that the tide affects all areas in the city centre. The walls scheme is madness.