Northside park is the 'worst kept' in the city

GLEN River Park is the “worst kept” park in the city according to a local councillor who is calling on Cork City Council to clean it up.

Councillor Ken O’Flynn has said the park is covered in knotweed, has become a target for illegal dumping and bonfires and is putting people off visiting it.

Glen River Park lies between the Glen and the North Ring Road and recently became home to the popular weekly Glen River park run which takes place each Saturday morning.

A spokesperson for City Council said the local authority has plans to treat knotweed in late summer to early Autumn.

“Cork City Council has a programme of Japanese Knotweed in place with treatment being carried out in Sept/Oct. Any new locations will be added to the schedule of works,” the spokesperson added.

However, Mr O’Flynn said pathways, steps and hand railings are covered by growth, while knotweed is increasing on the site.

He claimed anti-social behaviour and bonfires are causing people to think twice about using the park.

“I think it’s the worst kept park in the city and it seems to be the old routine of northside/southside divide. It’s one of the few valuable public spaces we have on the northside and we are seriously depleted when it comes to public space. It must be maintained to a much higher standard. 

It’s festooned with knotweed at the moment and that problem seems to be growing more and more.

“I am meeting people that are doing the Glen River park run and who are walking there and they are appalled at how it is being kept.

“It has become a zone for illegal dumping and bonfires. That’s because, if the council has no respect for the park, then why should the general public have respect. It has been proven over and over again that if you maintain something and keep it well, it will be kept well by citizens.

“I have written to council officials but I am, to date, waiting for a reply from officials,” Mr O’Flynn added.