Parking spaces could help end illegal dumping in idle area on Cork's northside

LOCAL councillors are calling for Cork City Council to tackle illegal dumping taking place on the northside of Cork city.

Sinn Féin councillors Mick Nugent and Kenneth Collins recently met with resident Brian Cullen in relation to illegal dumping taking place in the cul-de-sac of Ardmore Avenue.

The councillors have called on the local authority to come forward with concrete proposals for the site which is currently lying idle and being used as a dumping ground.

Speaking to The Echo on the issue, Mr Nugent suggested that the site could be developed into car parking spaces for local residents which he said is very much needed in the area.

He and his part colleague met with local resident Mr Cullen in recent weeks who brought forward concerns on behalf of residents in the area.

The unattractiveness of the site was highlighted by residents as a concern, as was the lack of parking facilities in the area.

Concerns were also raised about emergency vehicles potentially having difficulty reaching some homes in the narrow cul-de-sac.

Both councillors then raised the issue at a recent sitting of a Local Area Committee Meeting.

“Parking would be a good option there. A lack of parking is a concern for residents. It’s something worth putting forward,” he said.

“It could also be an opportunity for vehicles to turn safely as there is also a concern that even emergency vehicles would have trouble accessing some of the houses in the area.”

Mr Nugent also called on the Council to “monitor the area” in the meantime.

“In the meantime, we’re also calling on the council to monitor the area and that any rubbish that is dumped there is cleared, particularly over the Christmas period,” he said.

“The council said it will come back to us to progress the options looked at and we need it to be resolved. It’s unsightly and it’s attracting dumping.

“Whether it becomes parking or it gives over the space to adjacent houses so they can extend their gardens into the area, we just need to make a move on it in the new year.

“There was once a bungalow on that site but the Council had looked at putting another bungalow there but it can be problematic because of the levels there.

“Ideally, that would probably be the best option being able to put some sort of accommodation there but if it can’t be done, then I think parking would be something that local residents are interested in for the area.

“I just hope the council will come forward now in the new year with concrete proposals.”

Cork City Council has been contacted for comment.