Dunnes Stores is hoping to establish an urban farm in Cork city which will also be used for educational purposes.
Better Value Unlimited Company (a Dunnes Stores company) is seeking planning permission from Cork City Council for the development on lands just south of Ballyvolane Shopping Centre.
The site is bordered by Ballyhooly Road to the east and the North Ring Road to the south.
The application seeks permission for about 1.42ha of land to be used as an urban farm (agricultural use) focused on market gardening, agroforestry and educational activities.
Urban farm plan
According to the company, lands north of the Glen River will be used for market gardening, i.e., the cultivation of fruit and vegetables.
The market garden will include a 210m² polytunnel, a repurposed shipping container (28.2m²) that will serve as a canteen/toilet/storage facility, crop growing areas and an outdoor welcome area for educational purposes.
To the south of the river, an agroforestry system is proposed, consisting of trees with crops of fruit, flowers and vegetables.
The trees will be selected to provide crops of fruits, according to the details in the planning application.
The development will also include: Wood chip pathways; a small bridge structure (2.24m wide) across the Glen River; landscaping; tree planting; rain harvesting barrels; boundary fencing; a riparian buffer; a set down/collection area within the shopping centre’s car park; temporary access from the R614 Ballyhooly Road during construction works; and all other associated site development works/services.
Potable water and electricity will also be provided by the shopping centre.
A decision is due from the city council in Cork in mid-June.