In hard-hitting letter to City Manager Joe Gavin and Frinailla Developments the Department states that, “It is highly likely that the development as proposed will have a major impact on archaeological remains surviving both above and below present ground level,” the recommendation also states, “We have serious concerns about the proposal as presented. No attempt has been made by the developer to minimise the impact of this development on archaeological material”. 

It says that the mixed used proposal in contrary to both local and national planning guidelines, will obliterate a remaining section of the City Wall and is situated above “A hugely significant part of the city, with surviving Hiberno-Norse settlement of national significance on a par with material recovered from Wood Quay, Dublin and Waterford city excavations”.

The Department also recommends the retention of the 1929 City Library and 56 Grand Parade, both of which are on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage and both of which will be demolished for the new development.

“We would therefore recommend the consideration of alternative proposals for this site which would allow for the sensitive adaptation and reuse of the existing structures and the conservation of existing streetscapes”.

A spokesperson for the Minister pointed out to the Cork Independent that, “It’s important to note that the development in question is not just a library, but a large commercial development too.

“It should also be noted that the Minister does not have power to block a planning application, he is a statutory consultee only. The Minister can make comments and suggestions to the local authority in the hope that they will take his views on board. If they don’t, and grant permission anyway, he can appeal through An Bord Pleanala”.

Frinailla Development’s Grand Parade Plaza proposal includes a new 5,640 sq m library, twice the size of the current one along with offices, retail and residential developments.

The recommendation from the Department indicates a much more critical attitude to planning issues under Green Party Minister John Gormley than under his predecessor Dick Roche.

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