Cork City Council urged to build community centre in Ballyvolane 

A NORTHSIDE councillor has called on Cork City Council to build a community centre in a part of the city that has experienced unprecedented development and continues to grow.

John Maher, who is the city’s sole Labour Party councillor, last month proposed a motion at the Cork City North East Local Area Committee (LAC) calling for a community centre, has called on Cork City Council to build a community centre in Ballyvolane.

Mr Maher told The Echo his suggestion had received a positive response from Cork City Council’s interim director of services, community, culture and placemaking, David O’Brien.

“The director committed to re-engage with the community and also to update the Ballyvolane/Dublin Hill Environs Area Action Plan,” said Mr Maher.

“This is crucial, as a lot has changed in the past five years in our community. There are thousands of houses being built, which are to be welcomed, and we have the Ballyvolane strategic corridor now progressing, after years of being held up with An Bord Pleanála, and we are awaiting the decision on the route of the northern distributor road.”

He added that despite these positive developments, there needed to be an increased emphasis on community infrastructure in the area.

“We need a community centre for our various groups to have a home,” Mr Maher said.

“Ballyvolane and its surrounding areas are home to the community with the most potential for development in Cork city over the coming years and we must have local amenities to support that development.

“The next council term must ensure that a community centre is delivered for the people of Ballyvolane.

“Let’s update the Ballyvolane/Dublin Hill Environs Area Action plan, reassess our needs, and build a community centre that our local community groups can use and call home.

“It’s well overdue, and needs a commitment of funding from Cork City Council and from the national Government.”