All About Cork: Rice calls for improvements to Tramore Valley Park

Social Democrats councillor and general election candidate for Cork City South Central, Pádraig Rice, has called for five key improvements to Tramore Valley Park, including pedestrian access from Ballyphehane.

The other improvements are a fully accessible playground; an enclosed area for dogs or a so-called ‘dog park’; more bins; and more seating.

“Tramore Valley Park is a fantastic amenity but hasn’t reached its full potential. It needs more investment from Cork City Council,” said Cllr Rice.

“The city council needs to improve pedestrian access to Tramore Valley Park from the Ballyphehane side of the park.

“It is great that we have the new bridge connecting Grange and Frankfield to Tramore Valley Park, but the people in Ballyphehane can’t be left behind.

“We need pedestrian access from the west side of the park, too. We have to make it easier for everyone to walk or cycle to the park.

“Tramore Valley Park also needs a playground. It’s a no-brainer,” added the local councillor.

“There is plenty of space and so many families living nearby. This new playground must be fully accessible so that people with disabilities are fully included.

“Cork also needs a dog park, and Tramore Valley Park is an ideal spot. This would be a dedicated space, a fenced-off area where people can let their dogs run off the leash. I’ve met lots of dog owners who really want to see this.

“The park also needs more bins, particularly on the new walkway from Grange,” Cllr Rice continued.

“Lots of local residents have raised concerns about litter in this area. In particular, there needs to be a bin for dog waste.

“One simple and cheap change would be more seating around the park. It’s a great place to run and walk, but sometimes you just need a place to sit down and rest your legs.” 

Cllr Rice’s recent motion to Cork City Council on the subject was sent to the Local Area Committee and is expected to be put to the council at a later date.

Tidy Towns thank Credit Union

Ballyphehane Tidy Towns has thanked First South Credit Union for its continued support of the local tidy towns group, and for its investment in the local community.

In a statement, Ballyphehane Tidy Towns founder Konrad Im said: “We’re delighted every year to get support from First South Credit Union.

“The team is always great for coming along and helping at our events.

“The financial support goes a long way to supporting the different weekly activities we get involved with every year, so we’re very thankful for the support,” he added.

As usual, the Ballyphehane Tidy Towns crew were out and about over the weekend, making sure the local area looks its best and taking part in a number of local projects.

To find out more or how to get involved with the group, visit Ballyphehane Tidy Towns on their Facebook page.

School open day ahead

A local secondary school is gearing up for its annual open day, which takes place next week on Wednesday, September 25.

Coláiste Éamann Rís will welcome prospective students and their families to the school to showcase all that the school has to offer in terms of facilities.

The open day will take place from 4pm to 8pm, with the principal’s address at 5pm and again at 7pm.

“We are looking forward to welcoming new students and their families into our school community,” the school said in a statement.

Ballyphehane school to offer drama and film as subjects

Presentation Secondary School Ballyphehane is among 14 schools across Co Cork that will offer drama, film, and theatre studies as a Leaving Cert subject for the 2025/26 school year.

There are 57 schools in phase one.

In addition, 43 schools have been selected for Leaving Certificate climate action and sustainable development.

Announcing the news in recent days, Education Minister Norma Foley said: “It was fantastic to see a strong level of interest from schools of all types in Cork and across the country, in taking part in this first phase of delivering the new Leaving Certificate subjects of drama, film, and theatre studies and climate action and sustainable development.

“These subjects are being introduced to provide greater choice for students to better reflect their range of interests and support the development of a wider range of talents and skills.

“I am pleased to announce that 14 Cork schools will be among these new subjects from the start of the 2025/26 school year.

“The applications received demonstrated the extraordinary talent, qualifications, experience, and commitment by teachers in schools across Ireland interested in introducing these two new subjects to their students,” she added.

“The level and variety of current subject provision in the selected schools and the enthusiasm shown by their school leaders, teachers, students and school communities was nothing short of exemplary and I have every confidence that the rollout of both subjects will be a success.

“I am most pleased for the students in the 100 post-primary schools across the country who will experience either drama, film, and theatre studies or climate action and sustainable development at senior cycle in this initial phase and who will have the opportunity to develop their interests, strengths and talents in these areas.”

O’Leary Cup victory

Ballyphehane GAA’s minor team claimed the Paddy O’Leary Cup last week.

In a statement, the local GAA club congratulated the minor team, the club’s first in 10 years, on their hard work and success.

“We would like to congratulate our minor team on their win for the Paddy O’Leary cup tonight, our first minor team in 10 years.

“The hard work this team puts in on and off the pitch is a credit to them all.

“The start of another great thing in our parish.”

Pipe band needs members

The Ballyphehane Pipe Band is seeking new members.

Sharing the local band’s call for new talent, Ballyphehane Togher CDP issued a statement, saying: “Call out for new members for Ballyphehane Pipe Band Cork, you’ll be sure of a great welcome, lots of support from existing members, and loads of wonderful opportunities to be part of community and city events!”

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