Major north docks plan sees traffic removed from Cork's Horgan's Quay

The removal of cars on Horgan’s Quay, a new waterfront promenade and two new parks are contained in plans for the city’s North Docks, which opened for public consultation this week.

The plans, construction for which is set to begin at the end of next year, are part of the overall docklands strategy, and look specifically at public realm and transport methods for the north docks, which have already seen some construction around Horgan’s Quay.

The Cork North Docks Public Realm And Transport Infrastructure proposal “envisions a welcoming, inclusive waterfront where people can meet, connect with nature, move freely, and experience enhanced well-being in the heart of the city”, the plans say.

The proposed scheme consists of the realignment of the N8 national road between Lower Glanmire Road and Alfred Street to a new alignment closer to the rear of Kent Station, removing road traffic from Horgan's Quay. The realigned road will be approximately 720m long and comprise two traffic lanes, a bus lane, footpaths and planted verges.

The scheme also consists of the creation of a new promenade on the waterfront along Horgan's Quay. It will be approximately 690m long and will include pedestrian and cycling infrastructure along the waterfront as well as new surface finishes, seating and landscaping.

Two new public parks are set to be created under the plans – one of which will be 6000sqm and include a water feature, recreational amenities, seating, feature structures and planted landscape areas. A gateway public park will run along Water Street, providing a landscaped pedestrian link from Lower Glanmire Road to the new waterfront promenade.

Also contained in the plans are the demolition of single-storey dockside shed on Horgan's Quay (Dowdall Building), the part-demolition of single-storey railway shed in Kent Station yard and other associated works, including public lighting, surface water drainage, signage and road markings.

The North Docks’ water-sensitive strategy includes flood prevention and using nature based solutions, rainwater buffering and reuse as well as enhancing the water experience, meaning providing for more water-based activities or public realm along the quayside.

The designs aim to reduce reliance on cars and make walking, cycling, and public transport the easier choice – a new light rail bridge is mentioned in the scheme documentation as a future development, linked with the Cork Luas.

Labour councillor for the north east ward, John Maher, told The Echo: “I am delighted to finally see investment in public realm in the North Docks.

“The south-facing walks, play areas and spaces to enjoy will be a great addition. It’s important now that we all engage in the public consultation and I hope we see access to water to allow kayaking and water sports, a Cork Lido and better connectivity between the North and South Docks that will allow all people of Cork City travel to all parts of the City and enjoy.

“I’m very excited by the timeline, with a Q4, 2026 start date. 

"We have waited far too long but finally, to quote Chris Rea, we are seeing ‘new light through old windows’.” 

Plans and Particulars are available to view by visiting https://consult.corkcity.ie/en, and will also be available for inspection or purchase on working days from Wednesday, May 28 until Wednesday, July 23 at Cork City Council, with inspections by appointment only. Phone 021-4924000 to arrange an appointment.

Submissions and observations may be made in writing to the Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Directorate, City Hall, Cork in an envelope clearly marked "Cork North Docks Public Realm and Transport Infrastructure", or electronically.

The closing date for all submissions or observations is Wednesday, August 6 at 4pm.