The People’s Republic is getting a brand new town

There's a new town (in town). According to the Evening Echo, a new town, built around a railway station, schools and shops has been given the green light in Co. Cork. An Bord Pleanála gave the go ahead to the Monard Strategic Development Zone after 4:2 decision at a meeting of the planning appeals board this morning. The new town is set to be built on a 391 hectare site located 4 kilometres from Blarney. The scheme will include 5,500 units, providing homes for over 12,000 people. The scheme will not progress until a new railway station has been completed. Prior to this morning's decision, concerns had been raised with the planning board about density issues and pressure on local water treatment facilities. The Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lacey said:

"The Council will now proceed to progress the detailed design of the infrastructure and funding models through engagement with all stakeholders who have a part to play in bringing this scheme to reality over the coming years."

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr John Paul O'Shea welcomed the decision in a statement released by the Cork County Council:

"This decision is a significant opportunity to bring forward a major new phase of residential development in Cork which can be based on the most up to date and future proofed models for community development.  It also provides for a much welcomed opportunity to rebalance growth in the metropolitan area of Cork building on existing assets of the region. "