All About Cork: Kamegni urges motorists to respect new cycle lanes

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Honore Kamegni, has stressed the importance of protecting new cycle lanes in Mahon from misuse.

Cork City Council recently introduced Cork’s first community-wide streetscape renewal programme in Mahon.

The multi-million euro project aims to enhance infrastructure, improve road safety, and foster a more accessible environment for residents.

The development provides safer routes for children walking or cycling to school, improved pedestrian access for the elderly, and controlled speed limits to enhance overall road safety.

Construction on the scheme began in January 2024.

Speaking ahead of the scheme’s completion, anticipated to be in mid-2025, Mr Kamegni urged motorists not to park in the new cycle lanes.

“It is not acceptable to park on the bicycle lane because it will end up destroying the cycle lanes, and we will spend more money to fix them again and again.

“All this is happening at a stone’s throw from a very popular primary school in Mahon,” he said.

Earlier this week Mr Kamegni, while welcoming the scheme which includes new footpaths, carriageways, bus and cycle infrastructure, and additional measures including integrated traffic-calming measures, highlighted the need for greater community consultation to ensure that residents’ concerns are addressed.

“Mahon is changing positively. This is a very good project to be delivered,” he said.

“When was the last time that we saw this kind of investment in Mahon?”

However, he noted that several residents have raised concerns claiming inadequate consultation, which he said has led to frustration within the community.

“Residents are contacting me about their frustrations, mostly about the fact that their contributions to this important project were totally ignored,” he said.

Mr Kamegni urged the council to directly engage with residents to resolve outstanding issues.

“Just like many other people, I am very worried about what is happening around the community in Mahon. It is our responsibility in the council to fix it. Let us talk to people directly and fix it.”

In a response to a query from The Echo regarding comments about residents’ concerns being ignored, a spokesperson for Cork City Council said that the public consultation commenced in April 2022 with notices published advising the public of the draft proposals.

“The notices also advised people how to view the plans (online and in Cork City Hall), how submissions could be made, etc.”

The council spokesperson said an open day was also held in Mahon Community Centre.

Pupils restore woodland

Pupils from Scoil na Croise Naofa are doing their bit to restore native woodland in the Mahon area.

Last week, pupils from the local primary school planted saplings they propagated themselves in the Mahon Community Garden. In a statement, the local primary school said:

“Cork is a city of trees. ‘Where I sported and played ‘neath the green leafy shade, on the banks of my own lovely Lee’ is its anthem. So it is fitting that the boys and girls of Scoil na Croise Naofa did their bit this week to restore native woodland that was so much a part of our history by planting saplings we propagated ourselves in Mahon Community Garden.”

The school added: “Thanks to Dave, our caretaker, who guided us every step of the way.”

Nagle CC’s visit to Ballymaloe

Students from Nagle Community College paid a visit to Ballymaloe Farm, Gardens and Cookery School in recent days.

The students were involved in the SeeMySkills programme at the local secondary school, and visited Ballymaloe on the final day of the programme.

At Ballymaloe, the students explored the organic gardens, sampled freshly harvested produce, and gained an insight into sustainable food practices.

The visit provided a hands-on look at the culinary world, from artisan baking to organic farming, while highlighting the diverse career paths available in Ballymaloe, from professional cookery to hospitality and sustainable food production.

In a statement, Nagle Community College said it was an “inspiring and educational experience showcasing the connections between food, sustainability, and future career opportunities” and thanked all who made the visit possible.

Local school seeks photos and stories for anniversary

Ursuline College Blackrock is celebrating 200 years at the Blackrock site this year.

The school has organised a number of events and initiatives to celebrate the milestone anniversary.

It is currently working on a book which will feature stories, photos and information about the school and its pupils, both past and present.

As such, the school is currently seeking stories and photos from past pupils to include in the publication.

Speaking to The Echo, school principal Patrick McBeth said: “If any past pupils are reading this and have old photos at home or an interesting story about their time in the school we would love to hear from them. We have a dedicated email address for people to make contact: ucb200@ursulinecollegeblackrock.ie.”

Observatory refurbishment

MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory is undergoing major refurbishment works ahead of reopening later this month.

The observatory has been closed since February 17 with works underway to refurbish its facilities and exhibit.

The observatory will reopen on March 15, just in time for St Patrick’s Day weekend.

In a statement, observatory management apologised for any inconveniences this may cause, adding: “We will come back better than ever. Thank you for your understanding.”

Cost rental homes for Mahon

Funding has been announced for 444 new cost rental and affordable purchase homes in Cork city, including in Jacobs Island in Mahon.

The allocation, which in Cork will fund 358 new cost rental homes and 86 affordable purchase homes, is part of a Government announcement of a €168m allocation for 849 new cost rental and affordable purchase homes in 10 different local authorities around the country.

In Cork, the 358 new cost rental homes will be located in Ballyvolane on the northside and in Jacobs Island in Mahon on the southside. The 86 affordable purchase homes will be located off the Old Whitechurch Rd on the northside.

Crush Coffee in Marina Market

The opening of a new cafe at Marina Market has heralded the latest exciting chapter in the ongoing Crush Coffee success story.

Established by Cork natives including Cork senior hurler Robbie O’Flynn, as well as Kealan O’Flynn and Max Kahn, Crush Coffee initially operated out of a renovated horse box during the covid lockdown.

Crush Coffee then opened a drive thru-cafe in Little Island, which became popular with locals and workers in the area.

Now they are opening a new base at the lively location of the Marina Market in the city centre.

Speaking to The Echo about the opening of the new venture, Mr Khan said they were delighted to be at the Marina Market and “hoping everything goes well”.

“We are looking forward to meeting everyone, new and old customers,” said Mr Khan.

“The Marina Market is really well established, and a renowned place in the city after the last couple of years. So we are delighted to be here with other businesses who are very successful, and it is nice to be rubbing shoulders with some of them.”

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