All About Cork: Additional storage capacity safeguards water supply

The provision of additional storage for treated drinking water on the site of two existing reservoirs, including one at Kerry Pike, has been completed by Uisce Éireann.

The other site which saw additional storage provided was at Killeagh in Co Cork.

These projects combined represent an investment of approximately €2.9m in water infrastructure.

Noel Gibbons, programme manager, infrastructure delivery, Uisce Éireann, welcomed the completion of the water storage tanks at both reservoirs.

“This additional storage capacity will greatly benefit the local communities by safeguarding the water supply and providing a safe, secure and sustainable source of drinking water to these areas,” he said.

“It also ensures that the water treatment plant has sufficient storage capacity to meet increasing demands,” Mr Gibbons added.

At the Kerry Pike reservoir, the project involved the construction of a new modern 1000m3 above ground water storage tank.

A similar project was carried out at Killeagh, with the construction of a 500m³ storage tank.

According to Uisce Éireann, these: “important projects will improve water supply for homes and businesses in the area for years to come as well as support social and economic development in the future”.

In addition to the drinking water storage tanks, which have been integrated into the existing water supply, the project also consisted of the construction of weatherproof enclosures for pumping and instrumentation systems, below-ground dechlorination chambers with associated pipework and other ancillary works.

Landscaping and planting at the site have delivered a biodiversity net gain in line with Uisce Éireann sustainability targets.

The project was carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Coffey Water Limited.

Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland.

“We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment,” the company said in a statement.

To find out more visit www.water.ie

Brave garda is honoured

Garda Timothy McSweeney, a Blarney native, has been named the 2024 Blarney Person of the Year.

The announcement was made at a ceremony at the Castle Hotel in Blarney last weekend,

He was repeatedly stabbed when attending a domestic incident at a house in Douglas in 2022. Gda McSweeney received stab wounds to his hand and arm, and tore his knee. Last September, Gda McSweeney was awarded the Scott medal for “exceptional bravery and heroism” by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.

Businesswoman Kate Durrant, one of the founders of the awards, paid tribute to “people who put others first, who care about their neighbours, their community...people who make the world a better place”.

Regeneration programme clinic

A meeting for locals with questions or concerns about the regeneration programme in Knocknaheeny will take place next week.

On Wednesday, people are invited to drop in to Knocknaheeny Community Building, the Drum, Foyle Ave, anytime between 4pm and 7pm.

A project liaison officer will be on hand to answer questions in relation to resident relocations.

General observations and queries are also welcome.

If you cannot make the date, need to contact the regeneration team in advance of the clinic, or require other information, contact the project liaison officer at 021 4925537 or email stephen_lee@corkcity.ie.

Sinn Féin councillor for Cork North West Michelle Gould said the meeting was requested “at the last local area community meeting to inform local residents on what is happening with their houses from the regeneration”.

She added: “Make sure to call in to get answers on what’s happening in your area and those homes affected.”

Workshops at The Hut

A number of workshops and courses are
continuing and coming up in The Hut,
Gurranabraher.

Among them, a free workshop will take place on Tuesday, which will teach participants to make St Brigid’s crosses.

The two-hour workshop will take place from 10am to 12 noon. All materials are provided, but places are limited.

A six-week course of chair yoga kicked off last week, and will continue this coming Tuesday.

It will also run on February 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 3pm to 3.50pm. It costs €15, if you can pay. Anyone who would be interested in a monthly crafting meet up locally is asked to get in contact. It would be an opportunity to share and learn new skills and work on craft projects in company.

The location would be Churchfield or
Gurranabraher and it would take place on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Contact Ailish McDonald on 087 0979707 for more information on any of the courses or to book a place.

Niche Health Project

Niche Health Project has shared information on its wide range of activities and groups.

“Join us for a week full of wellness, creativity, and community connection,” it said.

On Monday, Tai Chi takes place between 10am and 11.15am. The women’s group runs from 10.30 am to noon. Sing your heart out runs from 1.30pm to 3pm.

On Tuesday, the get gardening group meets from 11am to 1pm. Yoga and meditation also take place from 6.30pm to 8pm. On the second Tuesday of each month a memory cafe meets from 11am to 1pm at the community garden.

On Wednesdays appointments only massage takes place from 10am to noon. Arts and crafts runs from 10am to noon, and men’s bowling takes place between 2.30pm and 4.30pm.

On Thursdays, the men’s shed meets from 11am to 3pm. Appointment-only acupuncture runs from 2pm to 5pm.

Credit union schools quiz

The Gurranabraher Credit Union (GCU) Schools Quiz for 2025 is almost here.

Posting on Facebook, the financial institution said: “We’re excited to announce that the GCU Schools Quiz 2025 will take place on Monday, February 10, in the Gurranabraher Credit Union Parochial Hall Arena.

“Who will take home the coveted title this year?” The event kicks off at 10.30am.

Tom O’Byrne Library exhibit

Works from Tom O’Byrne, environmental consultant, are on exhibit in Blarney Library.

“Tom was the visionary whose endeavours resulted in the 100 acres of biodiversity now known as the Clogheenmilcon Fen,” Cork City Libraries explained.

“Work began on the lake on 29 July 1992 bringing to life Tom’s vision for a much-loved amenity that is enjoyed to this day.

“The exhibition features framed works, a collaboration of mother and son using both their crafts to produce these informative geological artworks. It’s not to be missed.”

Have Knocknaheeny, Gurranabraher and Hollyhill news to share? Contact sarah.odwyer@theecho.ie