All About Cork: TD seeks ‘real progress’ on library and community centre

Cork North Central TD Thomas Gould recently sought an update on the works at Mayfield Library and St Joseph’s Community Centre.

“The provision of library services is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001,” minister of state at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Jerry Buttimer told Mr Gould. “Accordingly, the upgrade to St Joseph’s Library, Mayfield, Cork city is a matter for Cork City Council in the first instance.

“The proposal in respect of the library element of the project is currently being progressed through my department’s four stage capital management process and I can confirm that stage 2 approval issued on October 27, 2022. This stage of the review process ensures that the library proposal complies with the requirements of my department’s public library national standards and benchmarks, which guide the development of the public library service, and it is not linked to any funding stream. The Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027 is currently fully committed.”

He added: “I am advised by Cork City Council that the extension and refurbishment of the Frank O’Connor Library, Mayfield, incorporating St Joseph’s Community Centre, is categorised as a priority project in the council’s Development Plan 2022-2028.

“I am further informed that the part 8 planning application, as per the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) requirements, was approved by councillors in October 2024, allowing the proposal to be progressed through the standard planning approval process.

“The part 8 approval is the next step in the process of providing a modern multi use facility and places the Mayfield development in a key place for funding applications once the opportunity arises,” said Mr Buttimer.

Mr Gould told The Echo: “This project has met delay after delay. It took two years from stage 2 approval to get part 8 planning permission. Now, almost a year later and there doesn’t appear to be any further progress.

“The St Joseph’s Community Centre and Frank O’Connor Library are both vital services in the heart of their community. I have seen firsthand the vibrant and important work done by both.

“I want to see real progress on this project before the end of the year and I will be looking to raise it directly with the minister in the next Dáil term.”

Boxing awards reception at City Hall

Talk on food and mood

On August 15 in Mayfield Library at 11.30am, a talk will take place on the topic of ‘Food and Mood’.

The aim of this talk is to provide an overview of how people can support mood through nutrition. The main areas of focus will be: How food affects mood; the gut- brain axis; nutrition tips for supporting our mood; and important nutrients for brain health.

Also, over the month of August, Mrs Anglin’s Recipes will be on display at Mayfield Library. Mrs Gertrude Anglin lived at St Christopher’s Rd and began her recipe book over 100 years ago. Her dropped scones formula has been included in one of Darina Allen’s collections.

Move on up... join dance class

Registration is open for dance classes in the ELJ Academy of Dance, offering hip-hop, general dance, tap, ballet, acro, and freestyle/slowdance for ages 18 months to 18+ years.

The studio has 17 weekly classes on Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at their Mayfield dance studio, as well as two classes in Upper Glanmire on Thursday.

Full information about the types of dance classes and age ranges is available on the ELJ Academy of Dance Facebook page.

Classes are commencing on Monday, September 8.

To book a place, contact Emma on 086 084 3440.

Jen’s School of Dance is also now enrolling for September.

It has Saturday classes in Riverview Fitness and Leisure from 10.30am to 11.15am for seven to nine-year-olds, 11.15am to 12pm for four to six-year-olds, and from 12pm to 1pm for those aged 10 and over.

Call 085 284 3988 to reserve a place or email jen@jensschoolofdance.com.

Hotel shortlisted for award

The Montenotte, one of Ireland’s leading luxury destinations, is celebrating the first anniversary of its five-star Woodland Suite Experience with news of its shortlisting for the prestigious World Architecture Festival 2025.

The Woodland Suite Experience, curated by owners Frankie and Jo Whelehan in collaboration with architect John Burgoyne and his team at Henry J Lyons, and interior designer Róisín Lafferty, has achieved international recognition within its first year of operation.

The project’s inclusion in the World Architecture Festival 2025 shortlist represents a significant achievement for Irish architecture on the global stage, selected from over 780 entries.

Frankie and Jo said: “We are thrilled that The Woodland Suite Experience has achieved such incredible recognition in just one year. To be shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival alongside the world’s most innovative architectural projects is a testament to world class design and interiors, which was our project brief.

“This recognition, combined with our AHEAD Europe win and Independent Hotel Show nomination, shows that Irish hospitality design is competing at the highest level.”

John Burgoyne, director at Henry J Lyons, added: “We are incredibly proud to see the Woodland Suite Experience recognised on such a prestigious international platform. From the outset, our vision was to create something that would seamlessly blend contemporary luxury with the natural beauty of Cork’s landscape.

“To be shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival alongside some of the world’s most celebrated architectural projects is a tremendous honour and testament to what can be achieved when you have clients like Frankie and Jo who share your passion for pushing creative boundaries.”

Water works underway

Water quality improvement works got underway in Mayfield and Silversprings last week, as a Cork North-Central TD has issued advice for anyone in the affected areas.

Independent Ireland’s Ken O’Flynn said: “As your local TD, I’m pleased to share that Uisce Éireann has commenced a new round of targeted pipe flushing in Mayfield and Silversprings, part of a broader four-week water conservation and treatment plan.”

Mayfield areas affected are Lotamore Lawn, Avenue, Drive, Grove, Park, Liosard, Dunard, Newton Avenue, Place, Green, and Close, while in Silversprings, there will be works in Silversprings Lawn, Silversprings Court, Southridge, Ashmount, and Ashmount Mews.

Work is taking place during off-peak hours (post-10pm) to reduce daytime disruption.

Mr O’Flynn said: “This effort follows a year of persistent complaints about discoloured, brown water. The flushing targets sediment build-up — especially iron and manganese from aging pipes and recent network works — to improve consistency and quality.”

He advised anyone who experiences discolouration to run the cold kitchen tap for up to 20 minutes, as the water is safe once clear and if issues persist, to contact Uisce Éireann at 1800278278 or via their online reporting form.