Tomorrow evening, Monday 13th July, Cork City Councillors will vote on the unplanned Proposed Variation No. 3 to the Cork City Development Plan, which proposes to rezone approximately 270 hectares (670 acres) of land across Cork City for residential development.

For Douglas and Rochestown, the decision on the 42-acre Moneygourney (SS01 SE2) site, one of the largest sites under consideration, will be one of the most significant planning decisions affecting our community in decades because it would rezone protected City Hinterland (Greenbelt) land.

Before tomorrow's vote, we want to thank every single person who has supported this campaign.

Over the past number of weeks, our community has come together to form a campaign that has been heard across Cork City and beyond. Together, we have ensured that the concerns of this community have been impossible to ignore.

Why Tomorrow's Vote Matters
This vote is not about whether Cork needs more homes. We all recognise the housing crisis and the need to deliver new housing.

This vote is about whether this 42-acre Greenbelt site should be rezoned now, allowing it to be sold for development, before the necessary infrastructure is in place, before the cumulative impact of the many welcome developments already approved for Douglas and Rochestown has been properly understood, and before the opportunity has been taken to consider whether this strategically located land should remain as public green space for future generations.

It is also important to remember that this proposal is not part of the planned review of the Cork City Development Plan. It is being brought forward through a variation to the current Development Plan, which already identifies this land as protected City Hinterland (Greenbelt).

Work on preparing strategic Cork City's next Development Plan is due to begin in 2027, with the new plan expected to guide the city's development from 2028 to 2038. That statutory process will provide the opportunity to strategically assess housing need, infrastructure capacity, transport, environmental impacts and the cumulative effects of development across the city in a comprehensive and evidence-based way.

That is why we have consistently asked councillors to pause the rezoning of this particular site and allow it to be considered as part of the next City Development Plan, rather than through an unplanned variation to the current one.

Whatever Happens Tomorrow...
Regardless of the outcome of tomorrow night's vote, one thing is certain.

No Cork City Councillor can say they were unaware of the concerns surrounding the proposed rezoning of SS01 SE2 on Maryborough Hill.

Over recent weeks we have met councillors and public representatives from across the political spectrum. One consistent theme emerged from those who councillors that support the rezoning, or who would not commit either way: there appeared to be a genuine reluctance to be seen to vote against housing, even where significant infrastructure and planning concerns exist.

However, we have consistently made one point:

This campaign is not anti-housing. It is about ensuring that housing is delivered in the right place, at the right time, with the roads, public transport, schools, childcare, healthcare, green space, sports facilities and other infrastructure needed to support both existing and future residents.

Tomorrow evening, every councillor will cast their vote knowing the potential long-term consequences for Douglas and Rochestown.

They cannot say they were not informed.

Last Week's Activity
This week alone, members of the Residents Association met with:

Labour Councillor Peter Horgan
Independent Councillor Kieran McCarthy
Sinn Féin Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire and Councillor Joe Lynch
Fianna Fáil Deputy Seamus McGrath
While there has been no movement from Councillor Peter Horgan's position, we appreciated the opportunity to once again outline the long-term consequences of rezoning this site. We understand that the three Labour councillors intend to vote as a block. 

We had a constructive meeting with Deputy Seamus McGrath, who knows the area well and acknowledged the concerns we raised regarding infrastructure, traffic, amenities and the scale of this proposal. Although he does not have a vote, he committed to engaging with the Deputy Chief Executive of Cork City Council and with his party colleagues ahead of tomorrow's meeting.

Our meeting with Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire and Councillor Joe Lynch was also constructive. They were well informed about the wider rezoning programme across Cork City and the 4 most contentious sites, including SS01 SE2. We understand Sinn Féin councillors will vote as a block and have indicated they will let us know their position before tomorrow evening. Their decision could have a significant impact on the outcome.

We also met once again with Independent Councillor Kieran McCarthy, who has supported our campaign from an early stage and encouraged us to keep fighting for our area.

Behind the Scenes
Thursday and Friday saw committee members and many supporters telephoning Fine Gael councillors and other councillors who remained undecided.

Emails were also sent to Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik and Social Democrats Leader Holly Cairns, asking them to consider the long-term implications of this proposal and to allow their party colleagues to  vote on the merit of each site tomorrow night.

Every respectful conversation, every email and every phone call has helped ensure that councillors fully understand the potential consequences of rezoning this site without the supporting infrastructure or a comprehensive master plan.

The Petition
Tomorrow afternoon, we will formally present our petition—now signed by more than 1,200 people—to the Lord Mayor of Cork.

Thank you for signing. Every signature represents someone who believes Douglas and Rochestown deserve thoughtful, sustainable and infrastructure-led planning.

One Final Request
There is still time to make a difference. 

If you have not yet contacted your councillors, please do so this evening or before tomorrow's meeting. Even a short email, voicemail or phone call can make a difference in these final hours.

Official contact details for Cork City Councillors:

https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/councillors-and-democracy/meet-your-councillors/

Thank You
This campaign has been driven entirely by local volunteers who care about the future of Douglas and Rochestown.

Whatever happens tomorrow evening, we have stood up for good planning, sustainable development and the long-term future of our area.

Tomorrow evening, every councillor will make a decision that will shape Douglas and Rochestown for generations. Whatever the outcome, they will do so knowing the facts, knowing the concerns of their constituents, and knowing there was another option - to wait, plan properly and get it right.

Thank you for standing with us.