All About Cork: Locals have their say on  integrated urban strategy

Blackpool is soon to have an Integrated Urban Strategy (IUS) devised by Cork City Council in consultation with the people of Blackpool.

This will be similiar to the IUS in Shandon.

A spokesperson for the Blackpool Regeneration Group told The Echo: “The Blackpool Regeneration Group was established in 2020 to primarily submit our ideas to the City Development Plan. We produced a document ‘Blackpool Renewed’ on restoring the identity of Blackpool. We requested a CTCHC – Collaborative Town Centre Health Check – and Stephen Murphy, RAPID Coordinator, engaged UCC Masters students to carry out an independent, evidence-based study in Blackpool. The ‘Place Standard Tool’ provided a basis for the people of Blackpool to air their opinions on the locality. The scores were not good. But it is great to have this piece of research on which to build an appropriate Urban Strategy.

“The group has had a discussion with Niall O’Donnabháin, director of services, Planning & Integrated Development, and two urban planners, regarding our views on the proposed Integrated Urban Strategy.

“We, also gave a presentation to the SPC for Community Culture and Placemaking. The councillors on the SPC were very encouraging and supportive of our proposals and will be seeking a ‘roadmap’ for funding.

“In May there was a historic joint meeting of two Local Area Committees. The councillors from Cork City North West and North East wards met in the Blackpool Community Centre – this has never happened before.

“An LAC meeting has never been held outside the council chambers. The councillors met with the regeneration group and board members of the community centre after their committee meetings.”

The spokesperson added: “We have been requesting this approach for a few years because Blackpool is divided in two by the ward boundaries and has lacked representation in the council.

“Blackpool Regeneration Group shared a vision for the strategy with our local representatives: “To put ‘people first’ in a liveable, safe and resource efficient neighbourhood – that is socially integrated, economically inclusive and where residents actively participate in our community.”

The group has five issues to begin working on: Traffic management; public realm; illegal dumping; dereliction; and loss of green and blue spaces.

Senator Sanders pays a visit to Nolan Butchers

Senator Bernie Sanders and Jane O’Meara Sanders arrived on Shandon Street last Tuesday and paid a courtesy visit to Nolan Butchers, one of the oldest businesses on the street and festival HQ of the annual Spirit of Mother Jones festival. The Sanders were welcomed by Marie and James Nolan and joined them at their counter where they engaged with members of the Mother Jones Committee and local residents. Later several presentations were made to Bernie by members of the festival committee. Then everybody walked over to the Mother Jones plaque where the senator from Vermont greeted everyone and gave a passionate speech praising Mother Jones and all she stood for.

James Nolan of Nolan’s Butchers said: “It isn’t every day that a US Senator, one of the most popular and admired politicians in America, walks through my door.

“Bernie and Jane Sanders were lovely visitors and were full of praise for Mary Harris Mother Jones and for the historic community of Shandon where she lived.

“They admitted that it was the first time in their many years of campaigning that they wound up in a butcher shop.

“The presentations went very well and it proved to be a brilliant visit with songs at the plaque performed by William Hammond. We want to thank all involved in the arrangements, especially the trade union people in Cork who organised it.

“It was a red letter day for Shandon and for Cork and for Mother Jones.”

There was an extraordinary symmetry to the visit.

Senator Bernie Sanders stood in Shandon some 10 years to the day from when he announced his run for the US Presidency in Burlington Vermont his home town in May 2015.

Bernie had been elected Mayor of Burlington three times in the 1980s. In an amazing coincidence Richard Harris senior and junior (father and brother of Mother Jones) emigrated from Shandon in 1847 during the Great Famine and went to Burlington, Vermont, and were living there in 1850. Senator Sanders expressed surprise and was unaware of this unique connection between Shandon, Cork and Burlington, Illinois.

Float pushers required

Cork Community Art Link needs float pushers.

The Watercourse Road-based group said: “We need volunteers to push and animate our fantastical floats through Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork city at 2pm on Sunday, June 15, to bring the Midsummer Parade to life, as part of Cork Midsummer Festival. Join our mischievous Shenanigan family in an underwater odyssey on what we hope will be a sunny, summer Sunday. “If you’re interested in taking part contact us at: info@corkcommunityartlink.com Or give us a buzz at (021) 455 3747.”

Leeds AFC to hold AGM

Leeds AFC’s AGM will take place on Monday, July 7, at 7pm at Leeds Park.

All members are invited to attend. Expressions of interest for committee roles can be sent by email to gerardmeany@gmail.com.

HaveBlackpool, Shandon and Ballyvolane news to share? Contact robert.mcnamara@theecho.ie