All About Cork: Uncertainty in Blackpool over flood relief scheme

Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould has said Blackpool residents and businesses are living with ‘complete uncertainty’ 11 years on from when the area’s flood relief scheme process begun.

Mr Gould recently submitted a parliamentary question to Jack Chambers, the finance minister, enquiring if flood insurance protection will be available following the Blackpool flood relief scheme’s completion.

Mr Chambers responded that the “provision of such cover is a commercial matter for insurance companies, based on an actuarial assessment of the risks they are willing to accept”.

He added: “Government cannot interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance, or direct as to what cover is provided, as is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance.”

“The Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform is still assessing the significant environmental effects of the scheme, with the OPW [Office of Public Works] conducting the relevant surveys and will submit its results by November 2024.”

Commenting on the minister’s response Mr Gould told The Echo: “Eleven years since the process began and the government have still not delivered flood relief for Blackpool. This is extremely frustrating for households and businesses in the area. The lack of flood protection insurance prevents them from selling their businesses and leaves them in complete uncertainty. This doesn’t even begin to cover the fear they feel during storms or when rain is particularly heavy.

“Any flood relief scheme for the area has to be guaranteed to give access to flood protection insurance.

"Blackpool is a beautiful village, the lack of certainty over flooding is holding it back from its full potential. "We’ve seen in places like Douglas that flood relief schemes can simultaneously protect homes and businesses and improve the public realm. That is what the scheme in Blackpool must do and I’ll be watching closely for the results of November’s plan.”

Climate action creativity

The Gleann a’ Phúca Creative Climate Action project will culminate in Cork’s Glen River Park on Saturday with a full day of events showcasing the outcomes from a 12-month programme of artists’ public engagement projects responding to the ecological, cultural, industrial, and historical heritage of the northside city park.

The day includes a picnic, dance performance, film and animation screenings, and the launch of the FuaimMná audio trail celebrating the women of the Glen River Park. Events begin at 1.30pm.

Aspects of the programme were supported by Cork City Council funding, an Arts Council Bursary, and Agility Awards.

See: gleannaphuca.ie/events/gleann-a-phuca-grand-finale/

Cathedral Seniors Group meet

The Cathedral Seniors Group meets every Wednesday morning from 11am to 1pm in the Cathedral Visitor Centre, on Roman St.

Coordinator Trish Harrington said: “The background to the group is that we were formed in June 2022 just after Covid to help stop isolation and loneliness with seniors in the community. We have a membership of 27, and our activities include bingo, dancing, mindfulness, quizzes, aromatherapy to name but a few. The morning’s event ends with a cuppa and refreshments and of course a chat.

“But due to renovations being carried out in the visitor centre we haven’t been together since July. A new disabled ramp and disabled toilet has been fitted which is a huge plus for the group.

“I am now happy to report that the work is finished and we are ready to get the group back up and running again. The first day back is this Wednesday at 11am.”

All pets welcome to be blessed at St Anne’s Church

A unique event is taking place for pets and pet owners this Sunday in Shandon at St Anne’s.

The church said: “Please join us in St Anne’s Shandon, where we will host our second annual pet blessing as part of the Season of Creation. All are welcome with their pets for this service of the word, where all pets present will be blessed.“ The event is at 10.15am.

Dance workshop

Inclusive Dance Cork have announced a two-day introductory workshop for November 3 and 4 at Dance Cork Firkin Crane.

If you are curious about inclusive dance, are working in the area already, or if you are a dance artist with or without a disability, this workshop is for you. Email IDC co-ordinator Louisa louisa@firkincrane.ie to register your interest and for further queries.

Over-60s dance classes

Dance classes for over-60s are back at Blackpool Community Centre from 2-3pm from October 1. ‘Move with Music’ returns with dance tutor Maeve Kelleher on October 1, 15, and 29, and November 26.

If dancing isn’t your thing, sing along with the HAZ Band for over-60s at Blackpool Community Centre on September 24, October 8, and 22, and November 5 and 19 at 3pm.

Chair exercises are a great way to get fit and you can strengthen with Sandra at Roches Buildings Resource Centre on September 10, 17, and 24, from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

Healthy Food Made Easy is a community cooking programme that will help you to improve your cooking skills, eating behaviours, and nutritional knowledge. Register now for a six-week course in autumn at Blackpool Community Centre.

Minding your wellbeing will help you develop a positive outlook by looking after your mental health and wellbeing. The programme is an opportunity for you to learn more about mindfulness, gratitude, self-care, and resilience. It’s back in autumn 2024 in the Blackpool area.

All of the above health activities are free of charge. To register, or if you have any questions, contact Liz Madden, community health worker, on 087-6977942.

Family fun day

A reminder that there is a wonderful event coming to Blackpool this weekend.

The Blackpool Tidy Village group will host a free family fun day in Blackpool Plaza on September 28, between 11am and 1pm.

The group said: “We will have face painters, flower-pot planting, and a play facilitator with lots of games for all the children. All are very welcome.” The group recently installed a very popular Friendship Bench on Dublin Hill and have plans for another.

The group’s aim is to make Blackpool “cleaner, greener, safer, better” and it’s work is very much visible in the area.

The group meets every Saturday morning at Blackpool Community Centre. Email blackpooltidyvillage @gmail.com or see the Facebook page.

Have Blackpool, Ballyvolane or Shandon news to share? Contact robert.mcnamara@theecho.ie