Removal of ‘horrible’ bollards on Cork's northside welcomed

Sinn Féin representatives on Cork’s northside have welcomed news that 300 concrete bollards are to be removed from a residential area which also includes an industrial zone and a major sporting centre.

The bollards were introduced several years ago to prevent vehicles from parking on pavements along the kilometre-long route from Castleview AFC to St Vincent’s Hurling and Football Club.

Residents have long complained that the bollards, each of which weighs a tonne, have rendered the footpaths along John F Connolly Road to Churchfield Road to Kilmore Road Lower completely impassable.

Cork City Council is due to remove the bollards in the coming weeks, something Sinn Féin representatives said was long overdue.

Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, said that for more than 25 years the bollards had been a “blight on our community”.

“It has been a disgrace that the people of Knocknaheeny, Churchfield, and all the sporting clubs and businesses, have had these 300 horrible bollards there for decades,” said Mr Gould. “It gave a terribly unfair image of our community.

“The news of the removal of the bollards is really welcomed.”

Sinn Féin councillor Kenneth Collins said the removal of the bollards, along with the planned upgrade of footpaths, represented a significant improvement for the local community after years of waiting.

“One of the most notable advantages of removing the bollards is the improved accessibility for all pedestrians, particularly for individuals with mobility issues,” said Mr Collins.

Sinn Féin councillor Michelle Gould said she had also submitted a motion to Cork City Council calling for the installation of a pedestrian crossing on Kilmore Road.

“With the area’s significant foot traffic, the proposed crossing aims to improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents as currently there is no pedestrian crossing on this very busy road,” said Ms Gould.