A new €50 million development at the site of the former St Finbarr’s Seminary in Farranferris has been widely welcomed.

At the beginning of the week the go ahead was given for the ambitious plan, which will see the construction of three new educational buildings, comprising of Special Needs School, a Special Needs Educational Facility and a FÁS building.

Also included are plans for a crèche, 90 homes, two no play areas, a multi use games area and an all-weather pitch, the equivalent size of a junior soccer pitch.

The proposal was passed by councillors at Monday night’s Cork City Council meeting and has been welcomed by the Special Needs Parents Association. Eoin Kelly, Cork area representative broadly welcomed the move.

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"Anything that improves services for Special Needs Education is to be welcomed. It ties in with the Department of Education’s vision for inclusive education," he said.

Fine Gael Cllr Jim Corr said he was happy that there will be a multi-usage sports field for public use. Fine Gael colleague Pat Gosch said she was impressed with the proposals for Farranferris.

"It will provide 200 valuable jobs for the city. On completion the campus can accommodate thousands of pupils and staff. I am also happy to see the open space maintained."

Sinn Féin Cllr Chris O’Leary said he would have preferred to see a green pitch rather than an all-weather one, something that was echoed by party colleague Cllr Thomas Gould.

"I have an issue with the field, we need the retention of the open space in this area. The residents also have issues with traffic problems in the area."

City Manager Tim Lucey said the report on the new proposal came recommended by the Council. "I would strongly recommend this."

It was also announced at Monday night’s City Council Meeting that over €700,000 has been allocated for three swimming pools in Cork City.

The Gus Healy Pool in Douglas has been allocated €340,270, Leisureworld in Churchfield will receive €180,800 while Leisureworld in Bishopstown has been granted €201,930.

In addition Mayfield Sports Complex will receive €33,780. The money has been granted by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar.

(LB)