Cork City Council has opened an enforcement file regarding roughly 500 meters of steel industrial fencing recently installed around the Murphy’s Rock amenity site on Cork’s northside without planning permission. The Land Development Agency acquired the land earlier this year, prompting local concern over restricted access to the popular Kilbarry area.
Planning Enforcement Opened Over Kilbarry Fencing
Cork City Council confirmed it has opened an enforcement file concerning the steel industrial fencing erected around Murphy’s Rock. “Cork City Council is engaging with the landowner as part of the enforcement process,” a council spokesperson told The Echo. The roughly 500 meters of fencing and earlier steel gates were put in place following the Land Development Agency’s acquisition of the site earlier this year.
Community Concerns and Public Access Restrictions
Local residents have raised issues regarding the sudden loss of open space access without prior notice. Tricia O’Mahony, a resident living beside the area, told The Echo: “They’ve effectively locked people out of Murphy’s Rock without any consultation.” She added that the fencing is “entirely disproportionate” and noted she hasn’t seen horses, scramblers, or antisocial behavior on the site since initial steel gates were installed.
Did you know?
The Land Development Agency acquired the Kilbarry lands earlier this year with long-term plans for housing development on the site.
Land Development Agency Response and Security Measures
The Land Development Agency defended the security measures, stating they are a temporary response to unauthorized site usage. An LDA spokesperson told The Echo that the agency shares the “ambition of delivering publicly accessible open space as part of the development.” However, the spokesperson noted that the lands are not currently suitable for unrestricted public access due to challenging ground conditions and topography.
According to the agency, the fencing and gates were proactive steps taken after gardaí advised them to secure the site. The intervention followed numerous unauthorized activities, including the placement of horses, the use of scrambler motorcycles, damage to adjoining properties, noise, and safety concerns. While acknowledging complaints regarding the scale and appearance of the fencing, the agency declined to comment on why planning permission had not been sought.
Local Political Reaction
Elected officials have questioned why a state-backed body proceeded without standard municipal approvals. Independent Ireland councillor Noel O’Flynn told The Echo: “A Government agency doing something without proper planning is not right. The rest of the country, private citizens, are expected to abide by planning laws, so why not the LDA?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the fencing installed at Murphy’s Rock?
The Land Development Agency stated the fencing and gates were installed as a temporary security measure following unauthorized activities like scrambler motorcycles and horses, alongside safety concerns and advice from gardaí.
Does the fencing have planning permission?
No. Cork City Council has opened an enforcement file because the roughly 500 meters of steel industrial fencing was installed without planning permission.
What are the long-term plans for the Kilbarry site?
The Land Development Agency acquired the land for housing development, though the agency also states it aims to deliver publicly accessible open space as part of the project once site conditions allow.
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