Public toilets finally arrive at Marina Park

Those who already love Cork’s new favourite spot to stroll, play, and soak up nature can now look forward to spending even longer hours in the upgraded area.

Cork's former lord mayor, Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy, credited Cork City Council’s Parks Section “for listening to the large demands of the users of the promenade” and promised to “keep lobbying” for additional toilet units around Marina’s Holland Park playground.

“The user numbers are way up and appreciation of the promenade and wider Marina Park features are well appreciated. The Barrington’s Folly feature opened recently.

“The toilets by Cortado have been asked for, demanded for. They are in a central location by the city end car park.

“There has also been a very fair and very valid ask by parents/guardians of the Marina’s Holland Park playground for toilets there. Provision of toilets comes down to cost of construction, maintenance but also access to a water main. I’ll keep lobbying on my side though,” he said.

Earlier in June, when the Holland Park section and playground in Marina Park first opened, locals raised serious concerns about the lack of toilet facilities in the area.

With the growing number of visitors, many were anxious about keeping the park clean and well-maintained. Some residents even worried that the absence of proper facilities could turn nearby streets into makeshift toilets.

The good news comes as the newest section of Marina Park opened earlier this month. The expansion offers visitors the chance to explore an elevated tree walkway, woodland paths, and the restored Barrington’s Folly — a landmark steeped in Cork’s local history.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.