The development of Cork city's Marina Park has reached a major milestone as Phase Two works move forward.

Members of the public and local businesses are now being invited to have a say on the proposed works in Phase Two of the key project.

A long-term ambition of Cork City Council, the completed Marina Park will be six times larger than Fitzgerald's Park and equivalent in size to Dublin Zoo covering over 32 hectares or 70 acres.

Based around the themes of activity, accessibility, ecology, and culture, this next and final phase of development will extend from The Atlantic Pond to Church Avenue and will accommodate picnic areas, adventure play areas, new paths, a preserved marshland zone and the restoration of several architectural heritage sites.

It will deliver high-quality public space and landscaping while protecting and enhancing the natural heritage and biodiversity of the area. 

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The proposed park has several built heritage structures: Barringtons Folly, the slipway at Dundanion Castle, a boat house, an old quay wall and boundary walls as well as the Atlantic Pond, marsh, woodland, and open meadow areas.

Proposed works include the upgrading and creation of accessible, formal and informal paths and trails throughout the park, as well as the restoration and preservation of heritage structures within the park and the creation of a heritage trail to highlight the unique history of the marina.

Further works outlined for Phase Two involve improvements to the Atlantic Pond area, the provision of a nature playground as well as various play areas throughout the park, and the ecological management of the meadows, woodlands and marsh areas. 

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Colm Kelleher said: "Cork City Council wants to provide an enhanced, biodiverse, active space which integrates seamlessly into the surrounding environment. Respect for nature is an important principle of the design which will provide an unparalleled quality of public space to residents of and visitors to the city and region."

Cork City Council CE, Ann Doherty added: "The planned development of Marina Park offers an unrivalled urban amenity just 2.5 kilometres from the city centre and is a key economic driver and catalyst for Cork Docklands. We want to create an iconic 'eco-park' with a strong identity and a connection to local nature and history which will bolster the quality of all our lives."

Consultation on the proposed works for Marina Park is open until Friday 19 August 2022 at 4pm.