I visited Atlantic pond in May 2022 and August 2021 and would describe it as not being in the best of condition. My understanding is that it has been recently damaged after a prolonged period of flooding caused by a broken inner valve.

In September 2018 while walking along the Marina in Cork I came across a public park and pond [the Atlantic Pond] beside the GAA stadium and to be honest I did not consider it as attractive but it did appear to be popular with walkers and joggers. I later discovered that it was built as part of drainage of adjacent bogland. Over the years the Atlantic Pond became a popular walking area and home to many species of bird.

In the past the water has been polluted as a result of industrial works further upstream - fed by a small stream that runs into the adjacent River Lee.

With Marina Park Phase 1 close to completion[2022], development of Phase 2 has now commenced. In accordance with the ratified Marina Park Masterplan, Phase 2 will extend from The Atlantic Pond to Church Avenue and will include the "Nature" zone of the park, accommodating picnic areas, boating facilities, adventure play areas, preserved marshland zone and several architectural heritage sites.

Objectives

Provide an "eco-park" and an area of high-quality public realm and landscape, while protecting and enhancing the natural heritage and biodiversity of the area;

Integrate the design with other proposed and constructed developments adjacent to Marina Park Phase 2, such as the Blackrock Greenway, the Marina Promenade Scheme and the Monahan Road Extension;

Provide linkage with residential areas immediately south of the park and connectivity with local public transport.

Note: 14 September 2021 12.30

Cork City Council is repairing a pair of large diameter iron non-return flap valves, located at the quay wall on the Marina, near the Atlantic Pond.

The dual valving system dates back to the late 1960s – and permits flow of water from the Atlantic Pond during low tides, while preventing tidal inflow during high tides.

Following an underwater inspection by our specialist marine contractor, involving a sub-aqua dive team, with additional surface support from Cork City Council drainage crews, it emerged that significant repairs were required to both valves.

Phase 1 of these repairs, involving the bespoke refabrication and replacement of the hinging mechanism to the inner valve, is almost complete. Reinstallation of the valve is scheduled to be completed by Wednesday, 16 September. This will end the current flooding of the Atlantic Pond’s walkways and grass areas.

Phase 2 of these repairs, involving the procurement and installation of a new valve, replacement of a section of corroded underwater pipework and localised quaywall repairs, at the site of the external valve are also being progressed, in partnership with our specialist marine contractors. This phase of the works is intended to provide the necessary redundancy in the valving, to mitigate against similar future issues.