The National Spatial Strategy, 2002-2020 and the South West Regional Planning Guidelines, 2004 identified the implementation and funding of the recommendations of the Cork Area Strategic Plan, 2001 as cornerstones of the successful development of the Cork Region. One of the key findings of C.A.S.P. was that a revitalised City Centre would act as the main economic driver of development in the Region, with the development of the City’s Docklands providing a vital role in the City’s renewal.

As a result the Cork Docklands Development Strategy was produced in 2001 which forms the basis for the City Council’s vision for the North Docks and South Docks. The Cork City Development Pan 2004 gave statutory recognition to the Strategy by interpreting and incorporating the planning policy elements into:

• zoning objectives for the area;
• development objectives for the area;
• generic policy, including policy relating to urban design, infrastructure, conservation, public open space etc; and
• detailed policies relating to the development of sub-areas or precincts within the area.

The Cork City Development Plan, 2004 also identified the need for the preparation of two Local Area Plans for the Docklands area – one for the North Docks, the other for the South Docks area, in order to ensure the successful regeneration of the Docklands area and the wider City-Region. The North Docks Local Area Plan was adopted in December 2005 while the South Docks Local Area Plan was adopted by Cork City Council on February 11th 2008 and amended on October 05th 2009.

The South Docks Local Area Plan, 2008 (as amended) is available to purchase in hard copy format from the Main Reception, City Hall (Price €80), to view in any City Council public library or at Main Reception, City Hall, or to download from this site.

Docklands Zoning and Precincts Objectives