TD calls for better community infrastructure in Glanmire

Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central Colm Burke raised the need for better community facilities in Glanmire and particularly the need to develop the land given to the FAI in the Dáil last week.

Speaking to the Minister for social protection and rural development, Dara Calleary, Mr Burke said: “The problem I now have in my constituency in places like Glanmire which have had huge population increases is that we have not set aside facilities to be developed for the community. Glanmire, which has a population of more than 20,000, has no real community facility.” 

Mr Calleary told him that planning issues were a matter for the department of housing, local government and heritage.

But he added: “I agree that there should be a community element to all planning decisions.” 

He added that there was €125,000 allocated to Glanmire in 2021 for enhancing John O'Callaghan Park.

Mr Burke said: “I acknowledge that Department officials work really hard and are getting good value for the money that is allocated. When money is allocated to a community group, it will raise a whole lot more money itself to develop and grow the facilities.

“My big concerns centres around the areas where there is a huge increase in housing. 

"In Glanmire, 30 acres was given to the FAI more than 12 years ago and it is still lying idle. We need to bring that into use and do major development for the town.

“The GAA club in Glammire does not have the capacity to take the huge number of young people who want to join the club. The club is finding it very challenging to cater for everyone because of the growth in the area. The issue of 30 acres lying idle needs to be resolved.” 

Mr Calleary explained: “Part of the funding for Glanmire was to do a feasibility study for a community centre hub in 2021. I would be very interested to see where that went, where the feasibility study is and if we can work with the Deputy to drive that on. I am very happy to do that.

“However, in the first instance, the local authority is the prime development and planning agency. When it considers that level of planning the Deputy referred to, it should identify the kind of facilities that are needed.” 

He agreed: “When housing is built, facilities also need to be built. We should have learned over the years, particularly in urban areas, to put the community halls and the sports and recreation facilities in. My Department is more than happy to work with any local authority that has that vision.”