All About Cork: Mahon praised for being as ‘clean as European norm’

Independent councillor for the Cork city south-east ward, Kieran McCarthy, has praised the work of Mahon Tidy Towns, following the publication of An Taisce’s report for the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey.

The report, which ranked Mahon 27th out of 40 towns/cities surveyed, said that the area has been awarded a clean status under ‘clean to European norms’.

“The area has seen huge progress in a short couple of years, when it was very much towards the bottom of the IBAL league,” the report said.

“This time around, there were no litter blackspots and just two seriously littered sites.

“There have been extensive works over the last year, resulting in some lovely streetscapes, seating areas, planting, etc,” the An Taisce report said.

“It is great to hear of the local Tidy Towns initiatives — there was a notable improvement at [the] pedestrian link to Aldi — [which] has been much enhanced with a new footpath and tree-planting.

“Two sites were the cleanest the surveyor had seen: Avenue de Rennes and Skehard Rd.”

Mr McCarthy said that while he was proud to see improvements in the Mahon area, he was disappointed that a small number of businesses “still do not pick up cigarette butts or food waste arising from their business”.

“It is great to see a nod to the investment to the pedestrian, cycleway scheme and public realm scheme,” said Mr McCarthy.

“I agree with the report that the footpaths, seats, and revamped public areas have given Mahon a major fresh look and a much-needed public-realm overhaul.

“I can add that the investment has been a game changer to enhancing the area’s sense of place.

“Great credit is also due to the Mahon Tidy Towns, who volunteer weekly and collaborate closely with the council’s community warden,” he added.

“It is very disappointing, though, to hear that a minor number of businesses in the local area still do not pick up cigarette butts or food waste arising from their business.

“My continued strong plea to them would be to respect the public-realm investment made and to work closely with the council’s community warden regarding their litter.”

To access the full IBAL survey report on the Mahon area, visit: https://tinyurl.com/mpwcwwp3.

In safe hands

Call for toilets to be installed at Cork’s marina for summer

The Labour Party councillor for the Cork city south-east ward, Peter Horgan, has issued a call to Cork City Council for the urgent implementation of temporary toilet facilities at the marina in Blackrock.

The call comes as works are currently under way at the Marina Promenade, but plans for the installation of a permanent public toilet are yet to be confirmed by the local authority.

Mr Horgan is specifically seeking the implementation of temporary toilets by Holland Park, Blackrock Village, and Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

This is due to the increased amount of foot traffic that is expected in these areas throughout the summer.

“The Marina Promenade and the works associated with it are fantastic,” said Mr Horgan.

“However, the number-one issue that people who utilise the marina is the [lack of] toilets,” he said.

“It is not sufficient to expect people, no matter their age, to be caught short, given the investment on the marina.”

Mr Horgan further highlighted how he has previously raised the issue with Cork City Council, and will continue to do so as a matter of urgency, given the advanced stage of the year.

“We are engaging with officials in city council on the marina, but, for the interim, we need a solution,” said Mr Horgan.

“Especially as the summer months take hold, [and] as schools break up for the holidays.

“It’s a stop-gap solution, but it would provide relief to people and families with young children.

“We’ve secured more bins in Blackrock, and now we need to secure toilets.”

Mr Horgan said that he will be further raising the issue to Cork City Council at the next local area committee meeting, due to be held on June 24.

Cork City Council have been contacted for a comment on the matter.

Missing cat appeal

A concerned pet owner has issued a call for people in the Blackrock/Bessboro area to keep an eye out for a missing cat, named Oreo.

Oreo, who has been missing for over a week, is almost four-years-old, and is black and white with some tabby detailing. He is described by his owners as a friendly cat who loves people petting him. While he is microchipped, he does not wear a collar. If found or seen in the area, please contact Katelyn Ní Mhurchú on Facebook.

Nonfire night at Loughmahon

The annual ‘Nonfire Night’ event will take place next week at Loughmahon Park.

The event, coinciding with traditional Bonfire Night celebrations, will take place at Loughmahon Park from 6pm to 8pm on Monday, June 23. The evening will feature a range of free family-friendly activities, including a scavenger hunt, face painting, an arts and crafts table, basketball coaching, puc fada, and a special fire show from the Circus Factory.

Organised by Cork City Council, the event is advertised as a safe alternative to an uncontrolled bonfire event, and will include live music from DJ Richie in addition to other activities.

This is strictly an alcohol-free event, where children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration, and dogs must remain on a lead at all times.

Alchemy Arts at market

Contemporary Circus and Street Theatre company, Alchemy Arts, will be performing this weekend at the Marina Market as part of the Cork Midsummer Festival.

The performance, entitled ‘Scattered Sideways’, explores the continuous distraction of modern life, how we are constantly being bombarded with information and, as a consequence, have become disengaged rather than engaged with the world around us.

It looks at the allure of modern life, how we can become consumed by it, and also how it leads to people becoming forgotten, anonymous and displaced. The performance shifts between the intimate and the epic set within a visually striking installation. It is an immersive circus experience that blends physical theatre, spoken word, sound, and film into a dreamlike journey through disillusion and transformation.

The performance will take place on Sunday, June 21 at 2pm and 8pm, with tickets priced from €12.50.

Rainbow Club Raffle

The Rainbow Club Cork is hosting an online raffle, where one lucky entrant can win two tickets to see Oasis play live in Dublin this August. In a post shared on social media, a representative for the club said that the winner of the draw will get to see the band play from a private hospitality suit in Croke Park on August 17. The draw, organised by Denis O’Carroll and DOC’s Tours, is available to enter now until 6pm on August 14. Tickets to enter the draw are priced from €20 for 200 entries, will all proceeds going towards the Rainbow Club in Mahon. The winner of the draw will be contacted directly via email on the day of closing.

To enter the competition, visit: https://tinyurl.com/3tzdks3n.