All About Cork: More needs to be done on pedestrian safety says Horgan

Pedestrian safety is crucial in the Douglas area, especially on Maryborough Hill and in the village itself.

That’s according to Cllr Peter Horgan who said: “I have full council approval to hold meeting with the bodies building out the M28 to pursue the need for additional safety crossing, We need a massive investment in pedestrian safety and I am advocating for that investment in the upcoming City Council Budget.

“However given the impact in the area for the next few years from the works I am seeking pedestrian and traffic safety investment from the Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Cork County Council.” As part of this Cllr Horgan also said that it’s time to fix the roads and footpaths, not just in Douglas, but around the entire city.

“I continue to log repair work requests for potholes and damaged roads and footpaths. We need a multi-annual fund to commence a full footpath and road repair programme.

“As chair of the Roads and Transport Strategic Committee, this is something I am working on weekly with officials at City Hall. We need safe roads and footpaths for all users.

“We have projects across the city and especially in areas like Douglas, Boreenmanna Road, Blackrock, Ballintemple, and Maryborough Hill that are on the books for years but are still stalling. The key has to be more staff to carry out surveys and detailed design. We hear that funding isn’t the issue but it’s clear that staff resources must be equipped to handle the pedestrian safety need,” he added.

Cllr Laura Harmon, who is also Labour Party General Election candidate for Cork South Central, added: “There is a real concern amongst people of all ages on the need for pedestrian safety, this is a common theme across the entire constituency on the doors. We need to ensure that Cork City Council is equipped to deliver faster, safer, pedestrian crossings and I want to unlock that funding at a national level.”

Meanwhile Cllr Horgan said that he is awaiting to hear BusConnects proposals but that the Fingerpost in the heart of the village must remain where it is.

“We still await the final proposals for BusConnects in this area but I am steadfast in my belief that the Fingerpost does not need to be removed.

“Pedestrian and cyclist safety elements can be incorporated into the existing roundabout without the need to remove the iconic Fingerpost.

“I still believe that elements of BusConnects, like next generation ticketing, multi-journey ticketing, and other incentives must be frontloaded,” concluded Mr Horgan.

Dancing the day away at Garda Tea Dance party

Comhaltas na Dúglaise

Comhaltas na Dúglaise gave a superb performance of traditional Irish music at Elizabeth Fort on Sunday afternoon.

Branch members also played and sang for the residents and staff of St Lukes Home again recently.

Enrolment for music and singing classes on Wednesday evenings in Gaelscoil na Dúglaise is completed and all the classes are in full swing. Music in the Ciorcal Ceoil in the Halla starts at 5pm with continuous music and singing until 8pm.

Treoir, the Comhaltas magazine, was distributed to the adult and family members in the last two weeks.

Tickets for the National draw with first prize of €5,000 are on sale for the next four weeks.

The 2025 Munster Fleadh Cheoil 2025 will take place In the MTU in Bishopstown from July 12 to 19.

The newly elected chairperson of the Munster Fleadh Cheoil is Comhaltas na Dúglaise vice-chair Ger O’Driscoll.

Comhaltas na Dúglaise and other branches from around the county will be involved in helping Cork County Board to run the Fleadh. The 2025 Cork County Fleadh Cheoil will be hosted by Ballincollig in April.

Social swimming returns

Social swimming is catching on at the Carrigaline Court Hotel again this year. The social club reported that a good number of men and women of all standards came along to the promotion night last Thursday.

The 10-week course has started, from 9.30pm on Thursday nights, and includes the use of the sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi as well as the swimming pool.

New members welcome enquiries to 086 8221320.

Adams Family promotional day

Cast members of the musical ‘The Addams Family’ attended a promotional day in costume at SuperValu Mall last Saturday. 

The Carrigaline Musical Society is appealing for public support for the renowned musical that they will present from Thursday, October 31, to Sunday, November 3, at the specially adapted Community Complex.

Tickets can be bought online.

Men’s Shed busy as ever

The Carrigaline Men’s Shed is a hive of activity with fitness exercises, Men’s Shed choir, Monday walking group, wood workers, engineering, gardening, snooker, gramophone circle and an ongoing series of lectures. Other interests include the Shed museum and newly acquired 3-D printer and a laser printer.

The 10-week fitness exercises from 11am to 12 noon, commenced last Thursday under the instruction of Kuba Alexander proved very beneficial and was greatly appreciated by the men.

A number of interesting talks and lectures will follow the exercises from 12 noon to 1 pm and conclude with a cupán tae.

New members and visitors are always welcome inquiries Roger Morrissey 087 220 3547.

Have Douglas news to share? Contact rory.noonan@theecho.ie