All About Cork: Delight as Douglas Tidy Towns earn second bronze medal award

Volunteers from Douglas were in Dublin last Friday for the national SuperValu Tidy Towns awards ceremony at Croke Park, where Douglas retained the bronze medal status it earned for the first time last year.

Host Marty Morrissey highlighted Douglas for a special mention at the ceremony, after the town secured a 12-point increase on its score from last year.

Over the last four years of the competition, Douglas Tidy Towns has steadily increased its score by 48 points, all thanks to the hard work of local volunteers working all year round to plan and deliver community, heritage, and biodiversity projects, as well as the regular green-space maintenance and litter-picking activities.

This hard work was recognised by adjudicators, who noted that Douglas Tidy Towns is “indeed both a force for good and a resource for information and a ‘can-do’ attitude”.

Furthermore, adjudicators said: “We were very impressed with your focus on community involvement and growing your connections with all residents, environmental experts, other Tidy Towns groups and businesses in Douglas.

“You are committed to ongoing learning and sharing of ideas for the continuous loving care for your rich habitats.”

The green spaces in Douglas were highlighted for particular praise by adjudicators, who stated: “There is certainly a lovely atmosphere in Douglas when you venture down the lanes and into the much-used community park and woodlands of Ballybrack and Doman’s Wood. Nature surrounds the town and is the backbone to connecting all the communities together.”

When it came to the announcement of the national award, the Cork representatives were probably a little partisan in their delight for their colleagues in Ballincollig Tidy Towns, who scooped the overall prize. One of the key engagements that took place in Cork this year, and hosted by Douglas Tidy Towns, was a joining together of South City Tidy Towns groups to share ideas and provide support. This was facilitated by Cork City Council biodiversity officer Rosemarie McDonald, and will be an at least annual event.

Douglas volunteers were also delighted to meet colleagues from Ballyphehane Tidy Towns (relative newcomers to the competition) on the train to Dublin and later celebrated their achievement of winning the Young Persons in Tidy Towns award.

Planning for next year’s activities has already begun, with some exciting plans around biodiversity and local heritage in the pipeline, which will all be highlighted on the Douglas Tidy Towns Facebook page and elsewhere in the coming weeks and months. All are welcome to contribute in whatever capacity they can.

Contact info@douglastidytowns.ie.

Planning sought for 19 residential units at The Orchard

Planning permission has been sought for the development of 19 residential units on the site of The Orchard, which was recently sold at the Douglas Village end of the Rochestown Road.

The application says that: We, Bridgewater Homes Ltd, intend to apply for permission for a development at The Orchard, Rochestown Road.

The development consists of permission for the demolition of existing dwelling house and associated boundary wall and the construction of 19 residential units and all ancillary site development works, including vehicular and pedestrian access, car and bicycle parking, footpaths, lighting, drainage, landscaping and amenity areas at The Orchard, Rochestown Road.

Vehicular and pedestrian access serving the development will be facilitated via the Rochestown Road.

The Orchard was recently sold for a sum in excess of €1m and at time of sale it stated: The Orchard comprises a residential landholding extending to approx. 0.48 hectare (1.19 acre) with a frontage 54m to the R610 to the south and backing on to Douglas Court Shopping Centre to the north.

It is located in a Grade A well-established area of the Rochestown Road/Douglas. There is potential for a new development of either exclusive large detached or a higher density scheme.

The property is zoned in the Cork City Development Plan 2022 - 2028 as “Z01 - Sustainable Residential Neighbourhoods” which allows for residential and other uses.

For those wishing to inspect or purchase the planning application they can do so at the office of the Planning Authority, City Hall.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20.

Comhaltas na Dúglaise have a busy schedule ahead

Comhaltas na Dúglaise traditional music classes were on mid-term break last week but have a heavy schedule between now and Christmas.

The branch is encouraging as many as possible to participate in Ceol an Geimhridh which will take place in Macroom in January.

Members are also encouraged to participate in the SCT trad music exams, entries need to be in before January.

The branch is fundraising at the moment selling tickets for the Comhaltas National Draw which will take place in December.

Comhaltas na Dúglaise will hold its AGM on Monday next, November 11, at 7.30pm at Gaelscoil na Dúglaise.

Energywise offer for Douglas GAA Club members

As part of their celebrations for being 15 years in business, Energywise Ireland recently got in contact with Douglas GAA Club regarding a great fundraising opportunity for the club.

They’re a registered One Stop Shop and provide home energy upgrades (solar panels, heat pumps, etc.) and are based at Blarney Road.

“If anyone is thinking of getting a home energy upgrade (which includes a Solar PV Installation, Heat Pump Retrofit, or a One Stop Shop Home Energy Upgrade), we recommend going with Energywise Ireland as they have promised to donate €250 for every eligible completed installation from members (including family and friends) of this club,” a spokesperson for Douglas GAA Club said.

“They have been in business for more than 15 years and are one of Ireland’s leading solar panel installers.

“There’s no limit to the amount we can receive from them, so we really encourage anyone who is considering a green upgrade for their home to do so with Energywise Ireland.

“All you have to do is include the club referral code (Sports2024-DouglasGAA) when applying for your free consultation and Energywise Ireland will look after the rest.

“To get a quote from them, go their website enter the above code in the ‘Your Club’ section when filling out the form.” 

See more here.

Tractor run fun

The Ballygarvan tractor run in aid of the Mater Hospital Foundation Lung Transplant Ward organised by Barry Browne, his family and friends in the Ballygarvan Show had an entry of more than 200 vehicles.

The run comprising tractors, trucks, vintage cars and motorbikes caused great excitement as the tractors travelled through Main Street, Carrigaline and Castle Heights on through Kinsale west along their way ending in the Half Way.

A special children’s tractor run was held in the precincts of the GAA earlier.

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