All About Cork: Douglas overlooked by local authority says Una McCarthy

Douglas, one of the most vibrant and populous areas in Cork South Central, has long been overlooked by the local authority when it comes to critical infrastructural improvements.

Despite its ‘village’ identity, Douglas has grown into a bustling suburb with multi-generational residents, extensive educational facilities and thriving commercial hubs, including two large shopping centres, according to Cllr Una McCarthy.

“However, this growth has not been matched by an adequate, future-focused traffic management plan for the area.

“Serving as a gateway to several Cork city suburbs, Douglas’ roads are heavily trafficked by residents, commuters and shoppers, leading to frequent congestion.

“The suburb’s reliance on cars, with households owning two or more vehicles, is compounded by its insufficient and inconsistent bus services.

“The commercial landscape in Douglas is thriving, with shopping centres recently changing ownership, resulting in ambitious plans to drive footfall.

“While this investment signals economic confidence, it also highlights the urgency of addressing traffic congestion. Junctions near the shopping centres, particularly the main entrance lanes, require immediate reconfiguration to handle increasing volumes of vehicles.

“Without such measures, businesses risk losing potential customers deterred by gridlock.

“Douglas has ample potential for further development of local facilities and amenities, but progress appears stalled. With the final round of the Cork BusConnects Plan expected in 2025, Cork City Council must prioritise Douglas to ensure lasting transport improvements.

“Proposals such as introducing ‘nipper’ buses connecting the city centre to east and west Douglas and redesigning key traffic pinch points are long overdue.”

Cllr McCarthy, who is running in the general election for Fine Gael said she will convene a public meeting to facilitate discussions with residents, business owners and stakeholders.

“Together, we can advocate for immediate reconfiguration of critical junctions near Douglas Village Shopping Centre; increased investment in public transport, particularly smaller shuttle buses serving Douglas and connecting with the wider Cork city transport network.

“Long-term planning to upgrade road infrastructure, ensuring it accommodates current needs while anticipating future growth

“Douglas deserves better, by addressing these long-standing issues, we can transform the area into a model of sustainable suburban development,” concluded Cllr McCarthy.

Douglas Young at Heart host tea dance at Rochestown Park Hotel

Santa arrives to his tipi at Douglas Village Shopping Centre

The weather was not the best but it was a magical day on Saturday as Santa Claus arrived at Douglas Village Shopping Centre to his Nordic tipi.

It is set within a miniature village on the grounds of the shopping centre and is located outside the entrance near Tesco.

With a beautifully decorated Scandinavian-style tipi at its heart, the area will be surrounded by Christmas trees and a festive market where you can enjoy seasonal treats.

Santa’s Nordic tipi will be his home-away-from-home until December 23, giving families plenty of opportunities to meet him, share their Christmas wishes, and create magical memories.

Families are encouraged to enjoy the atmosphere and explore the festive market filled with seasonal treats and holiday cheer.

The tipi is decked out with a cosy fire, toys, his all-important desk for making his list and checking it twice, all under the shadow of a beautiful Christmas tree.

Guests will be given time to sit and talk with Santa, ask him any questions, and maybe even answer a few of his.

To add to the spirit of giving this year, Enable Ireland has been announced as the event’s charity partner. Every supporter is sure to end up on the nice list for their generosity!

For more details and bookings see @santasnordictipi on social media. Tickets are now on sale at Santa’s tipi at the shopping centre.

GAA club seeks expressions of interest for various roles

Douglas GAA Club has invited expressions of interest for a variety of positions, including coaching, management team, logistics, administration, for their adult men’s teams for the 2025 campaign.

They have three teams in both hurling and football competing across Premier Senior, Junior A and Junior B grades.

A statement from the club said: “If you are interested in contributing to the successful running of our teams next year, please email the secretary at on secretary.douglas.cork@gaa.ie or contact one of the below members of the adult hurling and football committee on or before November 30.”

Adult hurling and football committee members: Steve Dwyer (087 2245772), Mark Murphy, Tom Sheehan, Willie Coveney, Matthew Twomey, John Farrell, Brian Boyle, Teddy O’Donovan, Colm Lucey, Pat Dineen, Gearoid Reddington.

The club would also like to congratulate Pamela and Katrina Mackey on being awarded All-Stars at the recent PwC Camogie Awards held in Dublin.

Their AGM will take place on Sunday, December 1, at 7pm, in the clubhouse and they would hope to see representation from players, mentors and parents of their GAA, camogie and LGFA players present on the night.

Registration is encouraged at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/6U4L7Jdinc.

A registration sheet is also available at the bar.

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