I lay on the ground in shock for a few moments, contemplating whether to keep on going or to give up. I felt the right side of my bum and ankle throbbing from the impact. I eventually picked myself up and dusted myself down. Looked at my skinned leg and immediately thought of the Simon Pegg film ‘Run Fatboy Run’. Much to my own surprise, I managed to complete the run, but took the following day as a rest-day, to allow my ego as much as my ankle to heal! I’d thought if the half marathon was going to kill me, it would have been a heart attack at the finish line, rather than a careless fall.

Good news for those of you, who didn’t manage to submit your entries on time – the closing date for applications has been extended by a week to May 17th, but that is subject to place availability. This year it is expected that sixteen hundred people will take part in full marathon, two thousand participants in the half marathon, and as many as eight hundred teams will pass the baton in the relay event, made up mostly of teams of five people. That’s over seven and a half thousand people racing around the City on the June Bank holiday weekend.

I popped into the Marathon office in City Hall this week and Gina Johnson, the Marathon Event Manager, filled me in on some of the other interesting statistics for the marathon. There will be fifteen different water stations across the course, handing out fifty four thousand units of water, along with three thousand sponges. Four and a half thousand organic Fair Trade bananas and ten thousand of those delicious Nature Valley Cereal bars will be consumed at the finish line. In addition, five hundred volunteers will be out on the course, making sure everything goes smoothly, including one hundred and fifty medics. Boots Pharmacy are going to staff one of the water stations this year and the River Lee Hotel staff will look after the finish line water station, and provide the water there.

Talking of numbers and figures, I’ve had to revise my original fundraising target. Initially, I thought I would raise in the region of five hundred euro for Enable Ireland, Cork Services, but I’m delighted to say that I’m well on the way to hitting the one thousand euro mark. Many thanks to all of you who have donated so generously and remember there’s still time to contribute! www.mycharity.ie/event/lauramcgonigle

Running schedule for this week is continuing to build my endurance with two five mile and one three mile run, but the weekend sees me complete a nine mile distance. That means by the end of this week I’ll have completed over one hundred and fifty miles since training began. Something I thought I’d never do.

[This article was published in the Evening Echo on Monday May 13th 2013.]

The formal review of the Cork City Development Plan 2009-2015 commences on the 22nd April 2013. To this end, an Issues Paper has been produced which seeks to identify those issues that need to be addressed in the next City Development Plan. This Issues Paper forms part of the initial stage of this project and of public consultation on the Cork City Development Plan.

The development plan is primarily focused on physical planning issues such as the location of development and the appropriate uses of land. However, these cannot be successfully accomplished by us without first understanding the key economic, social and cultural objectives of the wider community.

The development plan fits into the broader range of policies and plans developed and implemented at a regional, national, European and, ultimately, a global level. Equally, though, the development plan is intended to deal with our local issues.

Cork city is the primary urban centre in the South-West and the foremost economic and development generator in the region. As regional capital and national Gateway city the success of Cork City is both a key driver of the region and also a key indicator as to the economic health and success of the Metropolitan area. The National Spatial Strategy includes an objective for Cork to develop as a metropolitan centre that is dynamic and socially balanced, served by effective public transport and offering a high quality of life for its population.

Among Cork’s strengths are the two high profile third level education establishments. With a highly skilled workforce the city region is a location of choice for high tech industries such as Medical Devices, Information & Communications Technology (ICT) and pharmaceuticals. The city is also the location for regional level health provision and a strong range of government bodies and infrastructure providers as well as having one of the main national ports.

The slowdown in the economy has had an impact on the pace of development in and around the city and the city itself has not experienced the level of population growth that would be desirable. The challenge for the new city development plan will be to look to the future and identify ways it can contribute to further development of the city as a good place to do business in, to visit and live.

Questions to consider

• How do you want the city to develop?
• Can transport choices for people be improved?
• Where should future shops and retailing go?
• Is Cork City socially inclusive?
• How do we attract more employment into the city and where should it go?
• Have we sufficient facilities for leisure, recreation, sports?
• What types of new housing should be encouraged and where should it go?
• How can new development be accommodated in the city while retaining its distinctive character?
• What can be done in Cork City to address climate change?

The initial public consultation process will last 8 weeks from the 22nd April to the 17th June 2013. Following this, submissions will be analysed and a City Manager’s Report on the consultation process will be prepared for submission to Council. Preparation of the Draft City Development Plan will take place towards the end of 2013.

This Issues Paper (Section 11 Consultation Document) and submissions leaflet are available to download from our website www.corkcity.ie. Submission Leaflets can also be picked up at the planning counter of Cork City Hall and at various locations around the city including the city libraries. Comments can be emailed to: cdp@corkcity.ie or write to Patrick Ledwidge, Director of Services, Strategic Planning & Economic Development Directorate, Cork City Council, City Hall, Anglesea Street, Cork.

All submissions or observations need to be received by the Council by 4pm on Monday 17th June 2013. Please be advised that, as per Section 11 of the Planning & Development Acts 2000 to 2011, requests or proposals on zoning of particular land for any purpose shall not be considered at this stage. Further information on the City Development Plan can be obtained by emailing:  planningpolicy@corkcity.ie or phoning 021 4924086/4924757.

All along I’ve mostly been training by myself. On two separate occasions in the past few months, I jogged with friends. However it didn’t prove too successful – because when it comes to a choice between chatting while running or breathing. I’ve always picked breathing!

When a person starts to exercise, their muscles need more oxygen. As a result they need to get more air into their lungs to supply their muscles with oxygen rich blood. In the past few weeks, I’ve experiment with different breathing techniques – short chest breaths, deep belly breaths, breathing through my mouth or through my nose. But honestly, I found the best technique was to just keep breathing and take in as much air as possible. In fact, if I could suck it in through my ears, I would!

Luckily I haven’t been arrested yet and my breathing has regulated.

Remember this Friday, May 10th, is the closing date for applications to take part in the Cork City Marathon. Whether you’re going the whole hog and completing twenty-six miles or competing as part of a relay team – the deadline for completed forms is close of business this Friday.

This year, a new initiative, the Youth Team Challenge, is being introduced allowing youths to run, jog or even walk the course as part of a five-person team. Schools and Youthreach centres across the city and county have been invited to participate and so far more than 350 young people have registered. The challenge is aimed at providing young people over the age of 16 with the opportunity to participate in an activity which is both challenging and rewarding.

My training continues apace this week, the distances during the mid-week runs increase slightly again from 7.2km to 8km twice a week with a short run in between of just 5km. However this weekend will see me take part in the Bandon 10k, which should be a good indication of how I’m progressing and how I’ll manage in race conditions. The Bandon course has a few challenging sections to overcome, which should put my hill training to the test. The race route has been approved by the Athletic Association of Ireland and will be chip timed over an officially measured course. Given the times I’ve been clocking during training and the fact that the adrenal of the race should see me run that little bit faster, I’m hoping to finish the 10k in just over sixty-five minutes.

With just four weeks to go to D-day, everything now is becoming a factor, from the amount of water I drink each day to the amount of I sleep I get each night. But as Hal Hidgon (the voice whispering in my ear) says “a long journey begins with a few simple steps “.

[This article was published in the Evening Echo on Monday May 6th 2013.]

So I bit the bullet this week and tried to incorporate some small hills in my routine. I soon realised that to make it to the top, I had to slow my pace slightly, rather than trying to sprint up the hill, just to get it over with. That’s something I’ve come to appreciate in the last number of weeks – slow and steady, rather than a fast gallop. So far I’ve been trying to increase the distances I cover, rather than building my speed. At the moment my main aim is just to finish the half marathon – I’m certainly not looking to break any records.

There’s a notable increase in the amount of people out on the roads, in the last number of weeks since the clocks went back and the evenings became longer and brighter. Lots of people, all shapes, sizes and fitness levels getting out enjoying some fresh air. I even spotted Rob Heffernan, Irish Olympian and Cork City Marathon ambassador, training along the Marina last week. He tried to overtake me, but just couldn’t keep the pace! In that same vein, the ethos of the Cork City Marathon has always been a ‘Marathon for Everyone’, and event organisers encourage individuals of all levels and abilities to get involved – from first timers to professional athletes, for charity or a sense of personal achievement. So if you’re thinking about it, there is still time to get out and grab a few friends and enter a relay team, do the half or maybe contemplate the full marathon. (Training is advisable!) The closing date for entries is May 10th.

Next week, the mileage increases again. Monday, as always, is a day of rest! Tuesday and Thursday the target is 7.2km on each day, with a shorter run in between on Wednesday, just 4.8km. Friday, another day of rest, leading into Saturday, which is fifty minutes of any aerobic activity, cycling swimming – I normally take it easy and go for a walk. But, the big day of the week is always Sunday, and this week, I’m due to complete 12.9km. Almost two-thirds of the distance I’ll run on June 3rd.

Generally it’s been a good week. I’ve hit all my mileage targets and recovered from my bout of illness last week and for the first time, I’m gaining confidence, that this challenge is do-able, without me dying in the process.

Don’t forget, I’m running the half marathon for Enable Ireland, Cork Service, so if you feel like donating, you can do so online www.mycharity.ie/event/lauramcgonigle/

Just five weeks left!

As well as the physical challenge of running 21.1km, I also thought it was an ideal opportunity to raise some money for a Cork charity. Over 172 charities benefitted from participants in the 2012 Cork Marathon. Participants raised money for a vast range of organisations, from animal welfare groups, local schools and the lifeboat service to the many voluntary care organisations.

After running an online poll on my website to pick a Cork Charity – the overwhelming choice was for Enable Ireland, Cork Services.

I would very much appreciate your support in helping me to raise funds for Enable Ireland. To that end, I have created a fundraising page on mycharity.ie, you can access my fundraising page here. You can sponsor me via credit or debit card. Rest assured that your transaction on the mycharity.ie website is very secure. You will automatically receive an e-mail from me thanking you for your support, and acknowledging the amount of your donation.

And of course I also have the traditional sponsorship cards and will happily take donations in person as well!

Any donation you can make, no matter how small, will be hugely appreciated!

I am also writing a weekly column, every Monday for the Evening Echo,details my training progress for the Half Marathon. You can read week one here

In December 2012 a draft Masterplan for the Marina Park was brought to Council for consideration prior to putting it out for public consultation for a four week period. At the request of Council the draft Masterplan was deferred for further consideration and development. This was primarily for the purpose of ensuring that a draft plan for public consultation should provide certainty for all stakeholders as to the proposed final manner in which the GAA Stadium Redevelopment and Centre of Excellence would be incorporated.

A concern was expressed at the time that there continued to be a level of clarity required on the exact extent of provision being made for this. In particular a concern was expressed that the draft Masterplan may not have provided for the final design drawings of the proposed stadium extension and, the exact land boundary required for the additional playing facility as provided for in the plans of May 2010 of the GAA, this having been the basis for the Council’s decision to provide for the incorporation of the facilities into Marina Park.

Following further assessment the draft plan has been further developed to provide for a number of matters that did require to be incorporated. In particular, the plan now provides for the appropriate level of “run off” of 5 metres at each side of the additional playing pitch, this having been only 2.5 metres in the draft plan as presented in December 2012. This is a recognised requirement of new playing pitches and has consistently been provided for in the GAA plans since May 2010. Additionally, the Masterplan now provides final clarity on the new stadium extension design incorporating, inter alia; cantilever viewing seating and erection of flood lighting on the new stand extension to serve the requirements of the new playing pitch facilities.

These are design elements which are welcomed as part of the overall Masterplan. In incorporating the GAA development into Marina Park, the design of the park is also required to achieve a specific objective of the City Development Plan as follows:

“It is proposed to accommodate the upgrading of Páirc Uí Chaoimh to a modern stadium by working with the GAA and to facilitate the development of a Centre of Excellence. The Showgrounds will be developed as an area of public open space and accommodate the upgrading of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and a Centre of Excellence. The layout of these facilities on the lands zoned and provided for sports grounds within the Showgrounds shall be designed to ensure that both physical and visual linkage is achieved between the eastern and western parts of Marina Park to ensure maximum permeability and cohesion of the overall park “

In order to meet this objective there is a need to provide for a separation space between the stadium and the additional playing pitch. This separation space would become a public use space for times when the GAA complex does not require a level of closure to allow for its effective management on major match day occasions, these being determined by agreement with the City Council. Such a situation would provide for the public use space being available as an integral part of the park in terms of maintaining physical and visible connections between the east and west and thus enhancing the public park user experience while, at the same time, offering a level of passive supervision which is potentially of benefit to the GAA facilities.

Assessment of the various options has determined that the City Development Plan objective can be best achieved by the linkage being provided through a combination of both a public use space through the GAA complex and, to the southern perimeter of the park along the length of Monahan Road. In this regard, maximising the permeability is influenced by the space requirements for the stadium expansion and the requirements of the additional playing pitch. As the final Park Masterplan must also seek to achieve a situation which provides for the efficient operation of the GAA complex, the design and operational requirements of the complex needed further careful consideration.

Having assessed the basis upon which the City Council agreed in principle in June 2010 to provide for the disposal of lands to facilitate the GAA development, maximum permeability is achieved by the creation of a 13m wide public use space between the stadium and the additional playing pitch, subject to this space being designed to the highest quality to ensure that it achieves this objective.

It is therefore recommended that the draft Masterplan design be finalised to provide for a permeable public use space between the new stadium and the additional playing pitch of 13m, this meeting the City Development Plan objective for the design of this element of the Park. Such a position ensures that there is a level of overall cohesion to the overall Marina Park, a position that could not be achieved if the entire GAA complex were completely enclosed.

This Masterplan will underpin the future development of major assets for the city and city region. It will also provide for development which will raise significantly the profile of the Marina and the Docklands area of the city.

Once the final Masteplan is approved, a Part 8 Planning proposal will be brought to Council for the detailed design and development of Phase 1 of the park at an early date. Phase 1 would generally comprise the entire “Showgrounds” area.

In late 2012 independent assessment was undertaken to determine whether there is an economic case for public investment in a multifunctional large scale event centre for the city. The assessment was also to determine if there is evidence of market failure to the extent that consideration should be given to the investment of public funds to facilitate the delivery of such a facility.

Market Opportunity and Economic Benefit

A significant opportunity exists to meet a high level of consumer and business demand for a multifunctional events centre in Cork City. Cork is well poised to attract additional concert-style events to the city. The lack of a dedicated permanent facility which can support a range of events including sport, music, conferences, tradeshows and other types is a necessary piece of city infrastructure which is required to be delivered.

The assessment has considered the value of direct and indirect expenditure. Additionally, this assessment considered the employment impacts and the potential contribution to local and exchequer tax revenues through rates, PAYE, PRSI, VAT and Corporation Tax.

All of the economic assessment work to date confirms that there is significant economic benefit, both in terms of local economic impact and in terms of tax revenue raised. Mid range estimates would suggest an economic impact of approximately €8m per annum.

Market Failure 

The assessment concluded that market failure exists. The assessment considered previous work undertaken in 2007 for the Council in this area, research for this report, cost estimates provided by a number of promoters and analysis of potential revenue and costs associated with a venue of this nature. Capital and liquidity constraints faced by the commercial sector at present have also been considered. Market failure means that without some level of public funding or subvention, the development of a venue of scale appropriate for Cork City will not proceed.

It is not unusual for projects of this nature to require significant public funding or be in public ownership. International research particularly in the UK and USA confirms this.

On the basis that market failure exists and the economic benefits are significant, the City Manager therefore decided to proceed with a “Call for Competitive Proposal” for the development of a multifunctional events centre in Cork City.

This competitive process will assess the merits of any proposals received. The assessment and subsequent negotiation with a developer will, in particular, determine:

• The level of market failure that exists, as the competitive process will determine the actual commitment and capacity level of the private sector to deliver such a facility.
• The investment/funding gap that exists.
• The level and manner of any required public contribution to the project
• Whether the project should proceed.

In deciding to progress to a Call for Competitive Proposals, it is important to note that the project should only proceed if the funding gap can be met, and is merited, given the level of economic benefit resulting. This does not at this stage commit the City Council to any level or type of funding. In the event that the process concludes with a justifiable reason for a public contribution the matter will revert to Council for approval.

For the coming week – I’m going to focus on getting my fitness back to where it had been before I was struck down last week by the ‘dreaded lurgies’! Lots of short runs and with any luck I’ll manage a ten kilometre run at the weekend.

I’ve also registered to take park in the Bandon 10k in the second week of May. I’m hoping that it’ll help test my fitness and also give me a feel for the racing scene. At that stage it’ll just be three weeks to the big day, so I should be able to use my times to predict my finishing time in the half marathon.

This weekend, sees the inaugural Cork City Marathon 5K take place in the Tramore Valley Park (the reclaimed city landfill site). Whether you’re a first-timer wondering what this running lark is all about, you’re in training for the relay or you’re a seasoned long-distance veteran looking for a quick Saturday run, Cork City Council is encouraging everyone to come along and walk, jog or run the Cork City Marathon 5k!

I think we were all horrified to hear this week of the awful attacks on the Boston Marathon. Ireland and Boston have a long historic link, and as a result, there were a significant number of Irish people participating in the Marathon. Groups of runners from this country travelled there to participate in what is the oldest marathon outside of Greece, and thankfully they are all safe. All our thoughts are with the victims and their families at this time.

And finally…..a charity has been chosen! Almost three hundred people cast their vote via the online poll on my website last week, to choose the charity for whom I’ll run this year’s half marathon. Enable Ireland were the clear winners, capturing 35% of the vote. Enable Ireland, Cork has been providing services for over fifty years. Now with services in Ballintemple, Little Island, Blackrock and Ladysbridge, Enable Ireland Cork offers a wide range of services for children and adult service users with physical disabilities. Children’s services are provided for over 370 children and adolescents living in Cork city and county. A further 60 adults are using the adult services and centres. If you feel like donating a few euro to a very worthy charity, I have set up an online fundraising page, here’s the link: www.mycharity.ie/event/lauramcgonigle

 [This article was published in the Evening Echo on Monday April 22nd 2013.]

The Cork City Marathon kicks off on Patrick Street at 9am sharp on Bank Holiday Monday, June 3rd. It will touch the four points of Cork City from North to South, East to West to include Blackpool, Blackrock, Bishopstown and The Lough. Runners have the option of running the full 26.2miles marathon distance individually, a half marathon distance of 13.1 miles, or they can run a leg with a relay team.

A few weeks ago, I decided to get myself into shape to run in the half marathon, just 48 days from now. (Not that I’m counting.) But truth be known, I am more couch potato than marathon runner. Am I crazy to think I can go from sedentary to half marathon-ready in such a short space of time?

Last year I was part of the Lord Mayor’s relay team, completing the middle leg of the marathon from Ringmahon to Victoria road, a total distance of 5.8miles. I had done very little training for the event, thinking if worst came to worst, I could walk most of it and there were two particularly fit and speedy members on the team, John Buttimer and Mick Nugent, whose quick times, would easily pick up my slack. I finished my section of the relay in just over seventy minutes. I was glad to have taken part but disappointed in myself that I hadn’t tried harder or trained harder. So I set myself the challenge to complete the half marathon in a respectable time this year

After registering to take part in the half marathon, I spent the first few days googling different half marathon programmes, reading different philosophies on the best way to prepare. During the course of all this googling, I stumbled across invaluable pieces of advice. Dorando Pietri, who took part in the 1908 London Olympic Marathon (but was eventually disqualified from the race, after receiving assistance) was said to have indulged in some mid-race strychnine, but blamed his failure to complete the race on eating too much steak for breakfast.

In the same race, Joseph Forshaw, who won the bronze medal having, soaked his socks in beef fat to aid comfort said that he had “…followed the plan adopted at previous marathon races, eating a good breakfast of steak, following this with two raw eggs, some tea and toast.” He said “on the way we took nothing but water, except four miles from the finish, having a stitch in the side, I took a drop of brandy.”

All seems like sound advice to me! But let’s be blunt about this – there is no easy way to train for a marathon. After much research, I downloaded the Hal Higdon Half Marathon Novice app for my phone. Hal is a well-known running author and athlete. The app is designed for newcomers and individuals who have done very little or even no running before and promises to get me ready to complete a half marathon in 12 weeks! I’m taking that promise literally.

The plan sets out four to five days training every week, ranging from short runs of two miles, to longer runs at the weekends. Every week there is a gradual increase in mileage goals. I’m now on week five of the programme and the longer runs have been built up to six miles, still a long way from my target distance. In addition, that app also tracks my distance and pace, so I can see the gradual improvements I make from week to week. And every few kilometres, Hal Higdon’s voice whispers encouragement in my ear, telling me what a great job I’m doing.

As well as the physical challenge of running 21.1km, I also thought it was an ideal opportunity to raise some money for a Cork charity.

Over 172 charities benefitted from participants in the 2012 Cork Marathon. Participants raised money for a vast range of organisations, from animal welfare groups, local schools and the lifeboat service to the many voluntary care organisations.

But there are so many worthy charities; I’m having difficulty picking one. So I thought I’d run an online poll to see who you thought was most deserving. I’d expect to raise in the region of €500 and your help in choosing a charity would be appreciated. You can cast your vote by visiting my website www.lauramcgonigle.ie and making your choice for one of the following charities: Cope Foundation; CUH Charity; Enable Ireland; Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind; Marymount Hospice; Mercy University Hospital; Samaritans or Sexual Violence Centre Cork.

The closing date to register to run the marathon, half marathon or relay is May 10th, but there are concessions to those who register before April 30th. More details at www.corkcitymarathon.ie

So if you see me struggling along the Ballinlough Road, or tripping the light fantastic down the Marina, red of face and short of breath, you’ll know I’m not having a mild heart attack, just trying to build the mileage in preparation for June 3rd.

 [This article was published in the Evening Echo on Monday April 15th 2013.]

The proposal was advertised in the Irish Examiner on 7th December 2012 in accordance with Part 8 of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 with no submissions being received by 11th February 2013, the closing date for same.

This element of the contract will cost €2.08 million approximately with works expected to commence in June 2013, and be completed by June 2014 . The works are necessary in terms of facilitating the development of the public park.

The proposal is in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, Section 11.7 of the City Development Plan including the proposal to develop the Kinsale Road site as a public park.