Delight at plans for enclosure and lighting of park on Cork city's northside

Locals out walking around the Fairfield on Cork city’s northside have expressed delight at news that the city council is to enclose the park and install lighting.

Sinn Féin councillor Kenneth Collins said he was very happy with the council’s decision.

“This comes following a motion I submitted, and it’s not the first time I submitted a motion on this,” he said.

“It’s fantastic news that this is now happening.

“This is a brilliant amenity in the north-west of the city, which is enjoyed by a lot of people.

“You have walkers, runners, and dogwalkers, as well as Blackstone Rovers, who use it as well.

“I welcome this announcement, which is fantastic news, and I’m glad that my motion was acted upon.”

The Fairfield is used as a playing pitch by local team Blackstone Rovers FC, which was formed in 1999.

In March, the pitch was badly damaged by young people on scramblers, with the surface torn up by their tracks.

“That wasn’t the first time that happened, and it cost the club a lot in time and money,” said Mr Collins.

“And it’s such a shame to see, especially given that the club are doing so much for young people in the area.

“I would be very hopeful that getting the Fairfield enclosed will put an end to the scramblers in here.”

Roy Moynihan from Larchfield Close said that he uses the Fairfield every day.

“You can see the other parks around are kept that bit better, because they are enclosed, so I think it’s a great idea to enclose it,” said Mr Moynihan.

“The Fairfield is well used every day of the week and it’s a pity you have fellas flying around on motorbikes.”

Marie O’Donovan was out walking Maverick, her nine-year-old grandson Conor’s assistance dog.

She felt the public lighting would make the Fairfield a lot safer.

“It’ll actually be somewhere to go, and it’s actually going to be brilliant, especially in the winter time, because as things are now, you can’t go for a walk in the winter, because you would be fearful,” sid Ms O’Donovan.

“It’ll be a lot safer, and we’re going to have a community centre as well, which is brilliant.

“It’s all going to be enclosed, which will keep the lads on the scramblers out.”

There is some slight disagreement among locals as to whether four rounds of the Fairfield is a mile, or if it is five, but regardless, hundreds of walkers use the amenity every day, rain or shine.

“You can see how important it is to the local people here that they have such a great amenity on their doorsteps, and making it secure and properly lit up will make the Fairfield even better for everyone who uses it,” Mr Collins said.

One local, who asked not to be named, said that enclosing the park should have been done a long time ago.

“But look, it’s good news now,” he said.