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Capital Projects
The programme represented a total capital investment of €196 million, of which €67 million came from the City Council's own resources. The Capital Programme included the following projects:
Blackrock Castle
Blackrock Castle, which is one of the best known landmarks in the city, had fallen into serious disrepair while in private hands. Cork City Council acquired the building and undertook a major programme of restoration. The restoration contract for the Castle is now complete at a cost of €1.6 million which includes a state of the art astronomical centre, research centre, visitor centre and restaurant. The building was used as part of the closing celebrations for Cork 2005, European Capital of Culture.
Courthouse, Washington Street
The Courthouse has been refurbished and enhanced. This fine civic building, which dates from the 1890's, was vacant for several years prior to the commencement of work. It now houses seven courts as well as the administrative offices of the Courts Service. The total cost was €25 million and was met by the Courts Service.
Lifetime Lab
Restoration of the old public waterworks buildings commenced in August 2004 and was officially opened on 14 October 2005. The project, at a total cost of €8.5 million, was part funded by the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), City Council and U.C.C. The complex represents the best industrial heritage site in the country. Lifetime Lab, on the banks of the River Lee, is a unique attraction for visitors of all ages with its modern interactive exhibition, themed playground, beautifully restored buildings and equipment and scenic views over the River Lee.
50 Pope's Quay
A very fine example of a Queen Anne style townhouse which dates from the 1730's, 50 Pope’s Quay was acquired by Cork City Council which, in collaboration with Cork Civic Trust, undertook a major restoration and enhancement project. The building, which housed the offices of Cork 2005, European Capital of Culture, now houses the staff of a number of the city’s arts organisations and festivals. The total cost of the project was €1.25 million, €750,000 of which came from City Council resources. The remainder was raised by Cork Civic Trust from private sponsorship.
Museum Extension, Fitzgerald's Park
The Municipal Museum was significantly extended prior to 2005, with some additional 12,000 square foot space being provided. The extension has a major hall for permanent exhibits, two galleries for temporary exhibitions, a lecture room and café. The overall cost was €2.7 million with Cork City Council providing €1.5 million and the balance being provided by the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism.
Frank O'Connor House - Munster Literature Centre
The City Council acquired No 84 Douglas Street, the attributed birthplace of the writer Frank O'Connor. The house dates from the mid 18th century and is one of the few remaining examples of vernacular architecture of the period. It was fully restored and enhanced and now serves as the home of the Munster Literature Centre and a visitor resource. The cost was €250,000 and was fully funded by Cork City Council.
Jack Lynch House - Artists Residence
The former home of the late Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, at Shandon was refurbished as a residence for visiting writers or artists who come to live in the City on a short term basis. It has been open for use since early 2005.
City Archives
Work commenced on a purpose built archive facility for the city and county in Blackpool in 2005. It now accommodates all of the archives previously housed at Christchurch on South Main Street, as well as providing space for important new collections. The public access and research facilities were considerably enhanced. The project, which was fully funded by Cork City Council, cost €2 million.
Tory Top Road and Bishopstown Libraries
Tory Top library in Ballyphehane opened in 2005. In 2005 work commenced on the new library facility at the Wilton Shopping Centre for the Bishopstown area. Both libraries offer the best of contemporary lending, research and community resources to their areas. The total space provided in each is approximately 10,000 sq. ft. The total combined cost is approximately €6 million, of which € 4.5 million was provided by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the balance provided by Cork City Council.
Artists Project House
No. 9 Chapel Street, Shandon was purchased by Cork City Council for use by the Cork Artists Collective as an artist's project space in which projects and residencies by artists will be developed. Refurbishment of the premises commenced in 2005 and will cost approximately €450,000 to be met by Cork City Council.
St. Patrick's Street & Grand Parade Renewal
St. Patrick's Street underwent a major renewal prior to 2005, which extended to the Grand Parade at the beginning of 2006. This involves the provision of new granite and limestone paving, pedestrian plazas, new lighting, street furniture and landscaping. This renewal scheme is transforming the public realm of the city centre, making it both attractive and pedestrian friendly. The works will also
extend into the Huguenot Quarter, Paul Street and Carey's Lane. The overall cost is €12 million, of which €6 million is being provided by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and the remainder by City Council. Following completion of the works on the street prior to 2005, work recommenced on Grand Parade early in 2006.
Oliver Plunkett Street Renewal
Works which included new paving, street lighting and street furniture at a cost of €4 million were completed early in 2005 on Oliver Plunkett Street. The street is now fully pedestrianised from 11 a.m. daily. The cost was met on a fifty-fifty basis by Cork City Council and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Shandon Renewal
A scheme for the renewal of the public realm in Shandon has been completed. It involved upgrading of paving, public spaces, providing new public parks and redeveloping derelict areas with infill housing. The overall investment was approximately €15 million of which €13 million came from Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the remainder being provided by Cork City Council.
Blackpool Renewal
Watercourse Road was paved and upgraded. Infill housing and a small number of retail units were provided to complete the streetscape at the previously largely derelict site adjacent to the Glen Hall. The overall cost was approximately €7.5 million with the National Roads Authority providing €4.5 million, €2 million being provided by City Council and the remainder coming from the sale of the retail units and houses to the private sector.
Cornmarket Street Bridge
A new pedestrian bridge was constructed over the River Lee linking Cornmarket Street to Pope’s Quay with access to Shandon. The bridge now facilitates easy access between these two historic parts of the city. The total cost was €2.3 million, the majority being provided by Cork City Council and a grant from the Millennium Fund of €635,000.
Riverside Walk
A riverside walkway which extends form the North Mall to the Lee Fields has been provided by Cork City Council. This includes a new bridge at the Mardyke and soon an additional bridge at the Kingsley Hotel. The costs, €3 million, will be met on a fifty-fifty basis by Cork City Council and Department of Environment,
Heritage and Local Government.
Foyer & Graffiti
City Council acquired the Assumption Convent at Blackpool. It houses Foyer, a training and residential centre for young people at risk. In addition the church space in the building was converted for use as a performance, rehearsal and administrative space for Graffiti, the Theatre in Education Company. The total cost of the project is approximately €1.6 million, with the majority being provided by Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and some completion funding from the Arts Council for the Graffiti space.
Ringmahon House
Work commenced in 2005 on the refurbishment of Ringmahon house as a community resource, with an emphasis on care and accommodation for the elderly. The fine house and its stables will become a focus for the local community upon completion. The estimated cost of the project is €2 million which has been fully met by a donation from the private sector.
St. Luke's Hall
St. Luke's hall was leased by Cork City Council for the duration of 2005 as temporary accommodation for a number of projects during the year at an approximate cost, including temporary refurbishment, of €40,000. Projects accommodated within the building included the Knitting Map, a Graffiti theatre production of the ‘Snow Queen’, rehearsal space for various groups and the
Creating a Cultural City lecture series.
Traveller's Facilities
Work has been completed on accommodation for traveller families in Mahon. This includes 8 houses and 6 halting bays. The total cost of €2.9 million was met by Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Proposals are also being formulated for the provision 15 temporary halting bays for transient travellers at a cost of €1 million to be provided by Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Wet House for Homeless
During 2005 plans were completed for the development of a wet house facility for the homeless with the Simon Community at a cost of €1.3 million. The cost will be met by Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Resource for Voluntary and Community Organisations
Plans are being prepared to provide an office resource for community organisations at the existing Housing Department at Angelsea Street, following the relocation to new Civic Offices. Costs are estimated to be in the region of €1 million which will be met from the resources of the resident groups.
Civil Defence
A new headquarters for the Civil Defence was provided at Ballyvolane. This important voluntary resource provides support to the emergency services of the city area. The capital cost is €2.1 million and was provided by Cork City Council.
English Market
A stain glass window was commissioned for the English Market and is currently being prepared. The estimated cost is €100,000.
The Shandon Experience
Cork City Council has acquired the Shandon Craft Centre and the Weighmasters House in Shandon. Plans are currently being developed for the creation of a visitor experience in the area that will encompass the existing facilities and enhance them. It is currently estimated that costs will be in the region of €6 million.
Broadband
A metropolitan ring of broadband comprising some 60 kilometers of fibre cable throughout the city was completed in 2004. This provides fast communications facilities for the commercial, industrial and public sectors. The cost was €1.2 million of which €10.8 million was provided by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the remainder by Cork City Council.
ICT Webworks
In association with Enterprise Ireland the City Council has provided a webworks at Albert Quay house. The project commenced construction in 2005 and was completed in 2006. It provides a state-of-the-art regional technological hub with offices, facilities and a management and support structure for Enterprise Ireland client companies in Internationally Traded Services. The development comprises of 50,000 sq ft of accommodation and was funded by the private sector with a grant of €3.8 million from Enterprise Ireland. The cost was approximately €13.5 million.
Park and Ride Access
A Park and Ride facility for 950 cars was provided at Blackash. Buses now operate from 7.30am to 7.30pm daily, every ten minutes, to facilitate access to the city centre. The capital cost was €4 million. The Department of Transport provided a grant of €3 million and the City Council the balance. Green Routes or bus priority corridors are also being provided to facilitate easy access to the city. A total of 7 routes are in place at a cost of €9 million met by the Department of Transport.
City Hall Extension
Work commenced in 2005 and will complete in 2006 on the new Civic Offices adjoining City Hall. All of the Council services will now operate from this building, providing more efficient services to the public. The working environment of elected members and staff will be greatly improved. The total cost, which is being met by Cork City Council, is €35 million.