Study Visit to Cork, Ireland

Third-year under-graduate students studying for the BA Hons Town and Regional Planning as part of the module European Spatial Planning undertook a study visit to Cork, Ireland over the week of 30th March, 2009.

The purpose of the study visit was to examine the operation of the Irish Planning System paying particular attention to the integration of planning at the sub-regional and city levels. Cork was chosen as the focus of study as it is identified as a "Gateway" for generating economic and population growth and in consequence has ambitious development strategies.

Senior planners in Cork County and Cork City authorities, Cork Port Authority and the Cork Dockland Directorate briefed the students about the development strategies held for Cork City. The students undertook fieldwork surveying the inner-city areas to identify the social, economic and physical issues affecting and their relationship with development activity in Cork city centre and docklands. The survey work provided input for a coursework appraising the resilience of the development plans in the face of the economic downturn.

The visit included water trip around Cork Harbour - the world's second largest natural harbour. This proved an excellent outing taking cognition of the strategic development of the Port and complemented well with the students appreciation of the urban development of Cork.

The visit coincided with excellent spring weather. This, and the friendly reception the students experienced, made for a highly enjoyable and productive week.