All About Cork: Councillor calls for Bessborough masterplan

Cork City Council have said they will consider the implementation of a Bessborough Masterplan Framework during the formal review of the current City Development Plan following a motion raised by Labour Party councillor Peter Horgan.

Mr Horgan raised a motion with the city council last month, seeking the establishment of a Bessborough Masterplan Framework, which would determine the infrastructural needs to support current residents, housing development, and any future housing needs.

In response to Mr Horgan, a spokesperson for Cork City Council said that there are a number of upgrade works planned for the Bessborough area: “The infrastructural requirements and comprehensive planning policy and zoning objectives for Bessborough are established through the current City Development Plan 2022-2028, which involved robust and considered engagement and development.

“There is ongoing assessment and determination of planning applications in the area, two of which are still awaiting determination by An Bord Pleanála. The Bessborough area is generally well serviced by public transport routes and the Passage Greenway. Upgrade works in the area are also planned, including improved pedestrian and cycle infrastructure.

“It is not considered that a framework masterplan is required at this point to ensure the delivery of the remaining development lands in the area, but the council will consider the matter further during the formal review of the current City Development Plan.”

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Horgan said he will continue to liaise with residents to identify their needs ahead of this.

“Bessborough needs attention, far more than what it has to date,” said Mr Horgan. “Often when you mention Bessborough, the immediate thought is the mother and baby home site, and my motion on the lands there continues to be examined and receive legal attention.

“However the rest of Bessborough, where we have had housing estates established and more underway, and the high contextual for rezoning of more lands, must be looked at in the round. Residents there deserve their say on what sort of infrastructure is planned. Can we get a new spur on the link rather than one road in and one road out; where can a community centre go; what is the childcare capacity. These are all issues I will bring directly to residents.”

Marina Park opening

Independent councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Kieran McCarthy, has said that the expected opening of the Marina Playground this week is "being looked forward to by many families and young children” in the area.

The playground, which is understood to be open for use from tomorrow, will feature climbing frames, a log trail, net trail, swings, a swing basket, teepees, and a tunnel.

“The opening of the new playground is being looked forward to by many families and young children who already use the big slides down The Marina,” said Mr McCarthy.

“Lots of great work by the City Council’s Parks Department has gone into designing, planning and making the new playground a fun space for families and children to explore.” 

Mahon development information event 

Representatives from Mahon Point Shopping Centre are inviting members of the public to attend a public information event at the facility next week.

The event, taking place in the Community Room at Mahon Point Shopping Centre from 4pm to 7pm on July 8, will focus on sharing the facility’s vision for Mahon Point 2.0.

In a post shared on social media, a spokesperson for Mahon Point Shopping Centre said that the planned improvement works at the facility will provide for a “vibrant sustainable community hub”.

“Mahon Point 2.0 will deliver 251 much-needed new homes, enhanced civic amenities, welcoming public spaces, integrated transport infrastructure, and new retail and office offerings,” the spokesperson said.

“It’s designed to support a thriving, connected community - an exciting new vision for a vibrant, sustainable community hub.

“Developed using the 15-minute city model, the project ensures that residents can live, work, shop, and socialise all within a short walk or cycle from home.

“Come along to ask questions, view plans, and learn more about Mahon Point 2.0.” 

St Michael's Commemorative event 

Members of the Cork Barrack Street Band have thanked organisers of the 40th anniversary commemoration for those who perished in the Air India crash, which was held at St Michael’s Cemetery in Blackrock last week.

In a post shared on social media, a spokesperson for the band said they were “honoured to take part” in the commemorative event.

Band members Billy, Paddy and Greg performed The Last Post and Reveille at the graveside of Anna Maria Alexander and her daughter, Rena, who were both laid to rest in a single grave following the accident.

“They are the only victims buried in this country, as all the other bodies recovered after the plane went down were taken to be buried in their respective home countries by relatives,” the spokesperson said.

“Thank you to Finbarr Archer and Cork City Council for inviting us to be part of such a meaningful ceremony.” 

Uisce Éireann works

Uisce Éireann’s new phase of proactive flushing works around the Blackrock Road will finish tomorrow.

The programme aims to improve water quality for homes and businesses across Cork city and is part of Uisce Éireann’s network improvement plan to address water discolouration issues.

Planned flushing began on June 30 and is expected to take approximately four nights to complete, finishing on July 4.

To minimise disruption to the community, the works will be carried out at night-time during off peak usage hours, typically starting after 10pm and finishing in the early hours of the morning.

This is to allow the network to have time to return to normal before the morning demand starts, reducing the potential for discoloured water at customers’ taps.

Beginnings creche hiring

Mahon-based childcare facility, Beginnings Creche, are looking to hire a new member of staff.

The facility, located at the Mahon Family Resource Centre on Mahon Drive, is looking to hire an experienced and qualified educator to join the team, to provide “high quality care and education to children, stimulating and nurturing their holistic development”.

Job requirements include a minimum FETAC level 5 qualification in childcare or equivalent; experience working with children is preferred but not required; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; the ability to work effectively in a team; and a commitment to providing high quality care and education to all children.

The position will provide for full time hours, Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 4pm, and from 8.30am to 3pm on Fridays.

Interested candidates are asked to email their CV and cover letter to: beginningscreche@frcentre.ie.

Holy Cross Church lost and found

 Representatives from the Holy Cross Church in Mahon have issued a call to parishioners as a number of items have been added to the venue’s lost and found.

In a post shared on social media, a spokesperson for the church said that a pair of Rosary beads and a ladies scarf have been found in the Church.

Anyone missing these items may contact the Parish Office on (021) 435 7040.