Approval granted for Monard Development

Approval has been granted for a new town development in County Cork which will include up to 5,000 new houses near Blarney. An Bord Pleanala has given the go ahead to the Monard Planning Scheme. The Monard Strategic Development Zone was designated by government in 2010 but the plan to build a new town was put on hold after an Bord Pleanala refused permission three years ago, subsequently An Bord Pleanala held an oral hearing in Cork last year. Objections were raised by local residents around road and transport infrastructural issues, while Blackpool residents raised concerns about increased flooding risks. However, following consideration, An Bord Pleanala has now given approval to the plan and Cork County Council will now proceed to the design and funding stages through engagement with all stakeholders involved. The development is dependant on a railway station being built at Monard. When complete the development will consist of 5,000 homes and also include schools, sports facilities and commercial units on a site along the Cork to Mallow railway line between Killeens and Blarney.

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