All About Cork: Call for safer roads in Blackrock hit ‘dead end’

Independent councillor for the Cork city south-east ward, Kieran McCarthy, has said that his requests for improved safety measures in Blackrock village have led him to “a dead end”.

His comments follow a response from Cork City Council to a motion raised by Mr McCarthy requesting traffic-calming measures along the Blackrock Pier, and the implementation of a footpath outside the Maple Leaf Bar.

In respect of the traffic-calming measures, a spokesperson for the local authority said that the approach to Blackrock Pier has been “added to the list” of requests issued to the Roads Operations department.

“Annually, Roads Operations bring forward to the members of the [Local] area committees all requests for traffic-calming [measures] and locations are selected by the members, subject to funds being available,” the spokesperson said.

“The quantum of traffic-calming infrastructure that is installed annually is directly proportional to the amount of funding provided to the operations directorate for such purposes.

“As such, should members wish to increase the pace of delivery of traffic-calming infrastructure, then options to achieve same are a) increase the revenue budget allocation in 2026 or b) assign some of the 2025 local area committee budget towards such works,” the spokesperson said.

Mr McCarthy said that while he notes this response, the road is currently “very dangerous”, due to drivers increasing speed upon entering the village.

“It is clear that some car owners do speed up as they enter the environs of Blackrock village,” said Mr McCarthy.

“That is very dangerous, as there are blind spots arising from corners, parked cars, and growing pedestrian traffic coming from the village, the Marina, and crossing to St Michael’s Church.”

With respect to the provision of a footpath outside the Maple Leaf Bar, the spokesperson for Cork City Council said that the local authority has “no plans” to undertake such a project.

“There is insufficient road width at the location to support two-way traffic, footpaths on both sides of the road, whilst also maintaining the existing parking provision,” the spokesperson said.

“To provide a footpath from the Maple Leaf to Ursuline Convent would require a road review/design and project budget, neither of which currently exist.

“It may also require planning approval,” they added.

“It is very likely that such a design solution would require the removal of circa 15 parking spaces on the opposite side of the road, [and] based on the foregoing, there are currently no plans for the installation of a footpath at this location.”

Mr McCarthy said that the public request for a footpath on the Maple Leaf side of Blackrock Road is a “justifiable one”.

“My request to explore putting in a footpath has currently led to a dead end in terms of council support,” said Mr McCarthy.

“However, I will continue to raise the lack of footpaths and pedestrian safety elements within Blackrock village [with Cork City Council].”

Blackrock Rowing Club placed fourth in regatta

The Blackrock Rowing Club placed fourth in the second regatta of this year’s Coastal Rowing Association’s (CRA) season.

In a post shared on social media, a spokesperson for the Blackrock rowing Club said that despite poor conditions, the team came back with “hard earned” recognition.

“The gang over at Ballycotton did very well to organise this regatta at a brand new venue,” the spokesperson said.

“For the time it was running it was running very well. Unfortunately due to poor conditions on the water, racing was called to a halt for the day, [but] this didn’t deter the boat from Blackrock.

“Well done to our senior mixed crew, consisting of our cox Kevin, [and crew] Janet, Cáit, Jan, and TJ.

“The conditions were tough and the craic was mighty — the lads came back with a hard earned fourth place finish under real coastal rowing circumstances.

“This was a great result, especially given the crew had two first time regatta goers in the boat.”

The next regatta will be held in Whitegate on June 22.

Host family wanted

A call has been made for a host family in Blackrock to take a German student who will be joining transition year (TY) at Ursuline Secondary School this coming September.

In a post shared on social media, Bárbara Cid issued a plea for a “caring family” who could host a “bright and friendly” teen.

“She’s a lovely, kind, and hardworking girl, and she’s been offered a place in TY at Ursuline Secondary School — [which is] such a fantastic opportunity for her,” said Ms Cid.

“She already has friends who will also be studying in Cork, so settling in will be easy and fun.

“She’s really excited about this adventure — [but] the only thing missing now is a host family who can welcome her and help make this experience possible.

“She would be staying from September to the end of May, and travelling home for Christmas and Easter.

“As always, the family receives a monthly tax-free payment, and I’ll be here to support you with anything you need along the way.”

Anyone interested in hosting is urged to contact Ms Cid on Facebook.

Coffee shop barista vacancy

A recently opened coffee shop in Blackrock is seeking to hire a new barista.

Coffee Line 1850, located on the Blackrock Road, opened it’s doors for the first time on Sunday.

In a post shared on social media, a representative of Coffee Line 1850 said the business is looking to hire a new staff member.

“We are looking for a skilled barista to join our team,” the representative said.

“If you have experience and a passion for coffee, apply now by sending us a direct message or by calling in to Coffee Line 1850 with your CV.”

Have Blackrock and Mahon news to share? Contact rachel.lysaght@theecho.ie