All About Cork: ‘Noise barriers on South Ring Road still a possibility’

Measures to defend against the “constant buzz of noise” in homes in Turner’s Cross, along the South Ring Road, are still being considered by the National Transport Authority, as part of the latest round of Bus Connect Proposals, according to a former lord mayor.
General-election candidate Mick Finn, a former lord mayor and local city councillor (Independent), made submissions to the Bus Connects consultation process, calling for noise barriers to be installed, “so that householders can sleep at night and open their windows during the day”.
“Noise-prevention barriers are required along the South Link Road in residential areas and estates from Capwell Road to Curragh Road and Bus Connects may well be the way to achieve this,” Mr Finn said.
“I tried, during my council term, to get these barriers retrospectively installed in Turner’s Cross and Togher.
“Up to now, such calls have fallen on deaf ears. I made the submission to the NTA, spoke to officials and management, and asked that this be done.
“I received a reply this week that it is still being considered, so I am hopeful it can be done,” he added.
Mr Finn said that if such a proposal was agreed, a majority of residents’ views should be used to progress it.
“One resident in Turner’s Cross and another one in Togher responded over the years that they did not want barriers on their walls,” Mr Finn said.
He also said that: “they should not be allowed to block what the vast majority wants”.
‘Remarkable’ year for club
Ballyphehane GAA Club has reflected on a “remarkable” first season at the Redmond’s Grounds.
The club thanked the Cork County Board for allowing the use of grounds.
“It has helped the club grow massively in the right direction. Most importantly, it has brought the Ballyphehane community together stronger than ever, with over 20 companies and businesses helping us with pitch signage and hundreds of hours gone into giving Redmond’s Grounds the uplift it deserves.
“Some highlights this year that stand out are getting to play Cork Masters and St Oliver Plunkett’s in challenge games, in memory of two fantastic people in Edwin Delaney and Mick O’Shea.”
The club also highlighted the success of the junior and minor teams, and revealed that the use of Redmond’s will allow the club to enter a junior hurling team next season.
“We would like to thank all the local councillors, TDs, businesses, groundsman Cathal Browne and our volunteers for the help you have put in this year to help make the club grow and we are excited to see what the future holds,” it added.

Amazing Pres open night
Management at Presentation Secondary School Ballyphehane has praised the school’s staff and students following an “amazing” open night in recent weeks.
The open night gave prospective students, and their families, the opportunity to learn about all the school has to offer.
In a statement, management at Pres Ballyphehane said: “A huge thank you to all the staff and students who worked so hard to make it such a successful and memorable evening.
“Your dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work truly shone through.
“We’re so proud of our community and grateful to everyone who came out to support and see what makes our school special. Here’s to more exciting events ahead.”
The 2024/2025 academic year came with a major change for Pres Ballyphehane, as the school became a co-educational facility.
Calls for action on Ballyphehane site
Former Lord Mayor Mick Finn is calling for action to be taken to tidy up the site of the former Manhattan Bar.
Mick Finn, who has expressed his intent to run in the general election, said: “This is on a major route and looks awful, while nearby residents are trying to keep their premises well.
“I have asked the council to intervene and force a clean up. The developers should also be fined under derelict-sites legislation,” Mr Finn added.
Officials from Cork City Council inspected the site in recent weeks. In response to a query from this newspaper, a spokesperson for Cork City Council said: “Cork City Council has made further requests for works on the site following recent inspection.
“Cork City Council has made itself available to the site owners to outline what is required to remove the dereliction.
“Derelict-site levies have been accruing as per enforcement of the Derelict Sites Act, which are being actively pursued.”
The Echo has been unable to make contact with the owners of the bar.
Lennox’s chipper closes
A local secondary school was among the dozens of organisations to pay tribute to local chipper Jackie Lennox, as the iconic takeaway closed its doors.
Lennox’s served its last supper in recent days after 73 years in business. The Bandon St chipper said: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Jackie Lennox’s takeaway, after 73 years, will close its doors for the final time...
“We would like to thank our local suppliers, who have always given the best and freshest of their products.

“To our loyal co-workers, many of whom have been part of our family for many generations, it has been a privilege.
“To our loyal customers, thank you so much: You have been a delight to serve and will be part of us forever.
“Please remember us fondly and we hope that we have made in a small way a contribution to the culture of Cork.”
Staff from Coláiste Éamann Rís were among those who sampled the Lennox cuisine for the last time in recent days.
School management said they treated staff to a Lennox’s takeaway “one last time”.
“Jackie Lennox’s Chip Shop has been a huge part of our local community, giving many of our students their first part-time job,” the school added.
“Lennox’s has also helped us mark the highs (and lows) of school life: They will be missed.”
Free composting workshop
A free composting-and-waste workshop will take place in Ballyphehane Community Centre on Saturday, October 19 at 11am.
The workshop, facilitated by Donal O’Leary, from Waste Down, is hosted by Cork City Partnership, in collaboration with Cork City Community Gardens Network.
See Ballyphehane Community Centre’s Facebook page for more information or to register.
Have Ballyphehane news to share? Contact darraghberminghamecho@gmail.com.