All About Cork: Tidy Towns highlight rise in discarded drug-related items

A Tidy Towns group has highlighted an increase in drug-related items being discarded in the community.

Ballyphehane Tidy Towns issued what it described as a “public safety announcement” in recent days.

“Over the last few week’s we’ve increasingly discovered multiple drug-related items being littered among the community,” the group stated.

“While we are not here to judge anyone, we ask that people be mindful of how they dispose of such litter — especially with the safety of local children, families and pets in mind.

“We have reported this issue and requested increased garda patrols in the area. Let’s work together to keep our community safe and clean for everyone.”

Cork South-Central Social Democrats TD, Pádraig Rice, expressed his disappointment at the reports of drug paraphernalia in Ballyphehane.

He highlighted a number of measures aimed at reducing such instances, including increased needle exchanges and bins.

Mr Rice also called for a safe injection facility in Cork, which he said would reduce the level of drug use on streets and in public spaces.

“It’s disappointing to see more drug-related litter around,” said Mr Rice.

“In the first instance people who use drugs in public places should clean up after themselves and not put others at risk of harm.

“We also need more public bins. This is something I’ve raised with the council. We also need more sharps bins and needle exchanges across the city.

“At a high level the Government’s approach to drugs has utterly failed and needs to change,” he added.

“I’d like to see safe injection facilities and safe drug consumption spaces that are medically supervised.

“This will reduce overdoses and reduce drug use on the streets and in the parks. Lots of cities have these.

“One has opened in Dublin recently. Cork must be next.”

Trinity Provost marks International Women’s Day at local school

A Cork woman who made history as the first female provost of Trinity College Dublin visited a local school last week to mark International Women’s Day.

Linda Doyle was the first woman to take on the role in the Dublin university’s 429-year history.

Last Friday, Ms Doyle visited Presentation Secondary School, Ballyphehane, as the school celebrated International Women’s Day, which fell this year on Saturday, March 8.

“We were so happy to welcome Dr Linda Doyle, provost of Trinity College Dublin, to our school today to mark International Women’s Day,” said the local school in a statement.

“Her words were truly inspiring, and we are so grateful for her visit!

“Thank you, Dr Doyle, for sharing your wisdom and empowering us all!”

Women’s day is a big success

Ballyphehane/Togher Community Development Project hosted a celebration to mark International Women’s Day on Saturday.

The local centre hosted a coffee and cake morning, complete with raffle, to celebrate women in the community, and from further afield.

The event was also held to raise funds to upgrade the outside area of the creche, with almost €1,800 raised on the day.

In a statement, Ballyphehane Togher CDP described the event as an “amazing morning”.

“We were blown away by the support of the community and creche families.

“Thanks to everyone for the wonderful spot prizes that were donated towards our event, the many people who made and brought cakes/treats, and those who gave us donations and bought tickets for the raffle.

“Many thanks from all of us here in the CDP especially from a very grateful creche team.

“We made a total of €1,755.45 and are absolutely delighted with the outcome of a great morning.”

Ballyphehane GAA return

Ballyphehane GAAs hurling team played their first game in a number of years at the weekend.

The team came from behind at half time to run out winners by a point, beating Crosshaven on a scoreline of 4-9 to 2-14.

The local club also highlighted the success of their underage girls football team, who played in a number of games on Saturday.

“A massive round of applause to our incredible underage girls’ for their outstanding performances against Bishopstown and Nemo today,” the club said. “Each one of you played with heart and determination. To our coaches and supporters, thank you for your encouragement and support.

“This means the world to these young girls and helps them shine brighter on and off the field.

“Let’s continue to cheer on these amazing young talents as they grow. The future is bright, and we couldn’t be prouder!”

Cork sustainability awards

Two local projects were among those in the spotlight last week as Cork City was honoured at an awards ceremony in Brussels for its range of sustainability projects.

More than 60 cities participated in the EU intelligent cities challenge over the last two years to advance the green transition in Europe by establishing partnerships at a local level.

Green Party councillor Oliver Moran accepted the award last Thursday for the ‘highest number of local green deals of a consistently high quality’.

Cork City Council signed 12 deals with a range of private, community, and voluntary organisations, with the agreed local green deals ranging from building retrofits and installation of rooftop solar PV panels to waste management and community education programmes.

The deals included Boston Scientific decarbonising their plant, and Sunday’s Well Rugby Club installing solar PV panels and creating a green wall.

Others included a toy library social enterprise to reduce plastic waste by supporting people to freely share toys within their neighbourhood, and the installation of solar PV by Ballyphehane Community Association.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, said: “The city is using the [local green deal] process to support its participation in the climate-neutral and smart cities mission. This award is another important milestone on our journey. I would like to thank Cork Chamber for its assistance and the many other organisations who have made commitments.

“The fact that the award recognises not just the quantity, but also the quality, of the partnerships is particularly satisfying.”

Schools calls on Tesco aid

A local primary school has asked the community for support after it was included in the Tesco Community Fund.

Greenmount National School is among a number of Cork organisations included in the current round of the Tesco Community Fund at the Tesco Express on South Main St and Douglas Rd. In a statement, the school said: “If you’re shopping in this store over the next few weeks, we’d really appreciate it if you’d vote for us using your blue token. Thank you!”

Have Ballyphehane, Turners Cross or Togher news to share? Contact darraghberminghamecho@gmail.com.