All About Cork: Government help sought for new community centre roof

Calls have been made for local and national Government to support Ballyphehane Community Centre's bid to raise a new roof.

The local centre is currently seeking to raise €290,000 for a new roof.

Speaking to The Echo, former Lord Mayor and former City councillor, Mick Finn (Ind) said: "The community centre in Ballyphehane is the beating heart of the parish, providing the best range of community services in the city from old to young and everyone in between.

“It is there for people in good and bad times and provides supports and outlets for leisure pursuits unmatched in Cork. I fully support the committee's move to provide a new roof on this fantastic facility and urge local and national government to respond.

“The services being provided out of the centre are not provided by anyone else and are the bridge arches that support so many access points to health, social and community supports. A major capital grant is required alongside local fundraising efforts...our local TDs need to deliver.” 

Recently elected Social Democrats councillor, Pádraig Rice, said: "The Ballyphehane Community Centre is a really important resource for the local community. From bingo to wheelchair basketball, meals on wheels to the new community garden, and from the day care centre to the gym, so much goes on at the community centre every day. It’s a real hub of activity.

"I’m delighted to support the Ballyphehane Community Centre as a volunteer board member and now as a new local councillor.

"The Ballyphehane Community Centre was built in the 1970s—it leaks a lot of energy and is expensive to run. Over the last few years, the board and staff have worked on an ambitious plan to retrofit and upgrade the community centre to make it more energy-efficient. The project started by making small changes, such as switching our Meals on Wheels van from diesel to electric, and now we are moving on to a full energy upgrade of the entire community centre. Replacing the roof is a key part of that.

"We have successfully secured some grants to help cover some of the costs of the new roof, but there is a gap. That is why we launched this fundraiser. We are asking people to sponsor a tile for €10. Together, we can cover the full costs and help to ensure that the Ballyphehane Community Centre goes from strength to strength.

"I would like to thank the staff and the other board members for all the work they have put in to ensure that we have a community centre that will be fit for purpose for the next 50 years! And a big thanks to everyone who has donated to this important fundraiser."

To donate, go to https://gofund.me/e48910fa.

Tribute to former school secretary

Coláiste Éamann Rís has paid tribute to a former secretary at the school who passed away recently.

In a statement, the local secondary school said:

“We are devastated by the news that our school’s secretary, Carmel O’Regan, has passed away unexpectedly.

“Carmel started in our school in 1982 and only retired on May 17, 2024.

“For many, Carmel was the face of Deerpark/Coláiste Éamann Rís. She was an incredible colleague, an amazing friend and an all round fantastic person.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Liam, her daughters Aoife and Niamh, her grandchildren, brothers, sisters and friends.”

Simon exhibition is on

A new exhibition featuring portraits of residents and volunteers with the Simon Community is currently on display at Tory Top Library.

The ‘Pleased To Meet You’ exhibition at Tory Top Library consists of portraits by Marie Bryan featuring residents and volunteers at Cork Simon Community.

The colourful character portraits are created using acrylics and mixed media. The exhibition will run until July 27 and is free to enter.

Togher Tidy Town clean-up

Volunteers from Togher Tidy Towns took part in a major clean-up at the Pouladuff roundabout and Forge Hill in recent days.

In a statement, the local group highlighted the hard work of their volunteers and encouraged others to get involved.

“Fantastic work was done at Forge Hill and The Pouladuff roundabout and all in only 1.5 hrs. Can you spare an hour this Wednesday at 7pm to help keep Togher looking great? Meet us at the community centre at 7pm.”

Inter-cultural music project

A youth music initiative is coming to Ballyphehane this September. The Youth Music World, for children aged 11-17, is an inter-cultural music project. It will take place on Mondays during September from 4.30-6pm in Coláiste Éamann Rís. A spokesperson said: “Any and all instruments are welcome”

They described the initiative as “a chance to learn instrumental music from different cultures, to play together as an ensemble, compose songs together, and perform”.

“Participants must already be able to play at least a few chords, or know the notes on their instrument.”

Participation is free but booking is essential and people are asked to email rutilachs@gmail.com to book or for more information.

Meals on wheels returns

The Meals on Wheels Kitchen at the Ballyphehane Community Centre is back in action after closing during the covid pandemic.

In a statement, the centre’s management said: “Our kitchen is back. Our catering facilities closed during the pandemic restrictions.”

They celebrated a grand reopening on July 1.

“We are delighted to announce hand-cooked meals, ready meals right to your door at a subsidised price for our community,” management added. For more information, contact Donal on 087 170 5610.

In other news, Ballyphehane Community Centre issued a bingo announcement in recent days. For the next three weeks, Nano Nagle Theatre on Friar’s Walk will be the location for the centre’s weekly bingo night.

“Limited spaces are available,” management advised. “Street parking is an option, and the community centre car park will also be open.

“The Nano Nagle Centre is conveniently situated within walking distance from the centre. We look forward to seeing everyone.”

Anti-social behaviour concern

Residents in a social housing development say their communal space has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour and are calling on Cork City Council to install security gates at two of its three access points.

The scheme, which is managed by Clúid Housing on behalf of Cork City Council, is located in Rutland Square, just off of White St.

Three years ago, what was once a city centre garage and a local authority car park became a social housing development containing 43 homes, with 21 one-bed apartments, 16 two-bed and six three-bed houses, a park and a playground.

Now residents say their area has, of late, become a haven of anti-social behaviour, with the square’s three entry points making it a ‘rat-run’ for illicit drinking and drug use.

Have Ballyphehane news to share? Contact darragh.bermingham@theecho.ie