All About Cork: Amenities at The Lough need improved maintenance

LOCAL Social Democrats councillor, Pádraig Rice, has written to Cork City Council to ask that The Lough be better maintained.

Mr Rice shared photos of footpaths, lamp posts, and a bench at the popular local amenity strewn with bird droppings. An empty alcohol bottle could be seen under the bench.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Rice said:

“I love The Lough. It’s one of my favourite places in Cork. I go there a few times a week, I think there are a few things to be done to improve it.

“The city council needs to ensure The Lough is better maintained,” he added.

“Some of the footpaths, particularly at the southern end, need a deep clean. Some of the benches and lampposts also need to be cleaned and painted.

“I have raised this with officials in City Hall — I hope that will happen soon,” Mr Rice said.

He also highlighted issues with blocked drains and reports of poor water quality.

“There are also other issues with blocked drains and some of the people who fish there have raised concerns with me about the water quality — these are issues that need to be looked at,” he said.

“In the medium term, the city council needs to invest in The Lough. I would like to see a public toilet installed.

“Parents have also asked for a fence to be put up around the playground for safety — I think that should happen.

“I also think there should be new low-level lighting. It can be very dark in winter, particularly by the playground. There needs to be a solution that is wildlife-friendly.”

The local councillor also called for a proper upgrade plan to be put in place for The Lough.

“The Lough is a very special place for many of us, and it deserves more investment,” he stated.

“The footpaths on the opposite side of The Lough Road also need to be upgraded to be made accessible.

“I have had people contact me who have to take their wheelchairs and mobility scooters out on the road — that’s not good enough.

“I’ve written to the council about all of these things. I’m hopeful that some of these issues can be addressed.”

Credit Union donation hailed

Management at the Ballyphehane Community Centre have expressed their delight at receiving a generous donation of €5,000 from First South Credit Union.

In a statement, management said:

“We are very grateful to announce a generous donation of €5,000 from First South Credit Union for ongoing sustainable construction works in the community centre!

“Together, we build a stronger community!”

Barbecue held to welcome new students to school

New first year students were welcomed to a local secondary school in recent weeks with a family barbecue event.

Coláiste Éamann Rís treated its new students to a family BBQ to ensure an enjoyable first day of their second level education.

In a statement, the local secondary school said it was “delighted to welcome our new first years”.

“They started school on Thursday with a family BBQ and returned for an induction day.

“We wish them all the best for the next six years.”

First year students welcomed to Coláiste Éamann Rís

New first year students were welcomed to Coláiste Éamann Rís in recent weeks with a family barbecue event.

The secondary school treated its new students to a family barbecue to ensure an enjoyable first day of their second-level education.

In a statement, the local school said it was “delighted to welcome our new first years”.

“They started school on Thursday with a family BBQ and returned for an induction day.

“We wish them all the best for the next six years.”

Credit union donates €5k to community centre

Management at Ballyphehane Community Centre has expressed delight at receiving a generous donation of €5,000 from First South Credit Union.

“We are very grateful to announce a generous donation of €5,000 from First South Credit Union for ongoing sustainable construction works in the community centre”, said management. “Together, we build a stronger community.”

Public consultation on South Parish rejuvenation

A public consultation process is underway to rejuvenate the public realm along the historic spine of the South Parish.

Proposals for the redevelopment of Douglas St were put on display in Nano Nagle Place recently and will be on show again.

“While an elected member of Cork City Council, we worked to get this done,” said former councillor Mick Finn.

“I am glad to see it being realised now and we must seize the opportunity to get it done right, as well as plan for future linkages.”

Development plans involve the installation of extensive planting areas, redesign of the roadway and footpaths to incorporate better outdoor spaces and green areas, a revamp of the historic Red Abbey Square, and a new park at Langford Row.

The public will have the opportunity to make submissions at the planning stage

Students start new school year at Greenmount NS

Greenmount National School recently welcomed new and returning students for the 2024/2025 academic year.

“It was so lovely to welcome all our boys and girls back to school today,” said management.

“A very special welcome to all our fantastic Junior Infants who had a fantastic first day at school.”

Tidy Towns undertake tree maintenance on Connolly Rd

Ballyphehane Tidy Towns volunteers recently carried out tree maintenance works along Connolly Rd.

“We began on some tree maintenance along Connolly Rd, clearing overgrown trunks and trimming back the branches as they were becoming a hazard to pedestrians and cars,” said the local group.

“Our crew were out and about gathering litter from the area, along with a quick game of hopscotch in Pearse Square.

“Let’s hope the good weather lasts a few more weeks, we have a lot on our to-do list before the winter.”

Local sports clubs join forces for fitness session

Players in Ballyphehane GAA’s junior football team enjoyed a fitness session at Togher Boxing Club in recent weeks as they prepared for the upcoming championships season.

The local GAA club shared photos of the players in action at the local boxing club.

“We would like to thank Togher Boxing Club for taking the fitness session with them,” said Ballyphehane GAA.

Have Ballyphehane news to share? Contact darraghberminghamecho@gmail.com.