The Issue: Bishop Lucey Park had recently undergone redevelopment, presenting a unique opportunity to rename the space to reflect modern values. We are calling for the park to be renamed Páirc na mBan Chorcaí (Cork Women's Park) to honour the women and girls of Cork, particularly victims of institutional abuse and those who contributed to the War of Independence.
The Goal: We are lobbying TDs to introduce or update regulations that would allow local authorities like Cork City Council to legally hold a ballot or plebiscite to rename heritage sites and public places, a process currently stalled due to legislative gaps.
-Why His Name Must Go: A History of Institutional Abuse and Control
Under Bishop Lucey’s authority, institutions like the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home operated with extreme neglect. A Commission of Investigation report revealed that 923 children died at Bessborough between 1922 and 1998, with the vast majority buried in unmarked graves.
St. Anne’s Adoption Society: Founded by Bishop Lucey in 1954, this society has been accused of baby trafficking, specifically targeting Irish women in Britain to have their babies repatriated for adoption.
Magdalene Laundries: During his "reign," women were confined to Magdalene Laundries in Cork, where they were forced into unpaid labour under harsh, punitive conditions as "penance".
-Resistance to Social Change
Opposition to Women's Rights: Bishop Lucey was a vocal opponent of social progress, famously using his pulpit to denounce any moves toward secularisation, divorce, or expanded reproductive rights for women.
Blocking Oversight: Historical records show that the Church under his leadership often resisted State inspections and accountability, arguing that religious institutions were subject to canon law rather than civil oversight.
-Clerical Abuse Scandal
A "Watch" of Silence: Campaigners point out that much of the physical, psychological, and sexual abuse documented in reports like the Ryan and McAleese Reports occurred under his watch as both a priest and Bishop of the Diocese of Cork and Ross.
Honouring Survivors: The park’s namesake, Bishop Cornelius Lucey, presided over a period when thousands of women and girls suffered in institutions like Bessborough and the Good Shepherds.
Recognising Heroes: The new name, Páirc na mBan Chorcaí, would also celebrate women who fought in the War of Independence (like Muriel and Mary McSweeney) and those who have shaped Cork’s art and social justice.
A Modern Space: The redeveloped park, which officially reopened in late 2025, is a "fusion of heritage and modern design" that should reflect the values of the city today.
-The Legislative Hold-Up
Despite a majority of Cork City Council members voting to review or change the name, the process is currently blocked:
Missing Regulations: Under the Local Government Act 2001, renaming a public place requires a "ballot of qualified electors" (residents).
The "Resident" Problem: Because the park has no human residents, the current national regulations do not provide a clear legal mechanism for holding a vote for a public park.
Despite a majority of Cork City Council members voting to review or change the name, the process is currently blocked:
Ministerial Delay: The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has yet to issue the updated regulations needed to allow councils to bypass this resident-specific requirement.
-What You Can Do to Change It
Lobby Your TDs: Demand that the Minister for Local Government signs the necessary regulations to allow local authorities to rename public spaces without residential ballots.
Support Devolved Power: Join the call for renaming powers to be fully devolved to local councils, allowing them to set their own rules for public plebiscites.
Sign the Petition: Help demonstrate that there is a city-wide mandate for change, which can pressure the Department of Housing to act.
*Privacy Notice & Consent:
By signing this petition, you agree to the following:
Purpose: Your data is collected solely to demonstrate public support for renaming Bishop Lucey Park and to facilitate lobbying efforts with Oireachtas members.
Email Lobbying: If you tick the "Yes" box, you specifically consent to having an automated email sent in your name to your local TDs requesting legislative change for this purpose.
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*By signing this I consent to a one-time email being sent in my name to local TDs to lobby for this legislative change.