All About Cork: No timeline for updated payment on Cork buses

A timeline for the roll-out of updated payment methods on buses in Cork is “not available”, a spokesperson for the National Transport Authority (NTA) has said.

This follows calls from Labour party councillor for the Cork City South East Ward, Peter Horgan, for enhanced ticketing to be fast-tracked.

“The NTA has appointed Indra Sistemas SA to equip the entire state-subsidised public transport network in Ireland with new ticketing equipment capable of accepting bank cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, QR codes (both paper and app-based), TFI Leap Cards, and the public services card for free travel,” the NTA said.

“This initiative, referred to as next-generation ticketing (NGT), will ultimately see new ticketing equipment being deployed on all public service operator (PSO) operators nationwide.

“The timeframe for the roll-out of next generation ticketing to all public service obligation (PSO) transport services in Cork is not yet available.

“The authority is currently progressing the approvals necessary to secure the funding for the BusConnects Cork programme under which NGT will be delivered for the Cork bus fleet,” they added.

“The preliminary business case (PBC) for this has been submitted and, once approved, NTA can commence the planning of the implementation of NGT in Cork.”

Mr Horgan said that the introduction of the Leap card onboarding system needs to happen, but it is “only a stopgap to where we should have been years ago”.

“Advocating for better Cork transport is crucial in improving congestion issues across our city and metropolitan area and we need political priority placed behind it,” said Mr Horgan.

“Cork should have it rolled out first and I will continue to advocate for that Cork-first priority.

“The capacity on the network is critical to take on — the facts are showing people want public transport options. Let’s provide that,” he added.

“We need a definite date for the new expanded network and we need it rolled out before the return school-traffic chaos.”

Mr Horgan additionally highlighted the need for increased late-night transportation for the jazz weekend. “Let’s start with the jazz and the run-up to Christmas, but late-night buses are a must if we want Cork to reach its full potential.”

Star on the red carpet for movie premiere of ‘Christy’ in Mahon

Councillor to host Marina walking tour for Heritage Week

As part of National Heritage Week, independent councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Kieran McCarthy, will host a free historical walking tour of The Marina.

National Heritage Week, taking place across Cork city and county from August 16 to August 24, celebrates Ireland’s cultural, built and natural heritage by bringing together volunteers, community groups and heritage enthusiasts to share their experience, knowledge culture and practices. As part of the nine-day festival, of which the theme is ‘Exploring our Foundations’, Mr McCarthy will deliver a free historical walking tour of the Marina on August 22 from 6.30pm.

There is no prior booking required for the tour, with a meeting point set at the western end of The Marina, adjacent to the Shandon Boat Club.

Mr McCarthy said that the tour will provide attendees with insight into the evolution of The Marina.

“A stroll down The Marina is popular by many people,” said Mr McCarthy.

“The area is characterised by its location on the River Lee and start of Cork harbour.

“Here, scenery, historical monuments and living heritage merge to create a rich tapestry of questions of who developed such a place of ideas. Where not all the answers have survived, The Marina is lucky that archives, autobiographies, census records, diaries, old maps and insights have survived and give insight into how the area developed.

“These give an insight into ways of life and ambitions in the past, some of which can help the researcher in the present day in understanding The Marina’s evolution and sense of place going forward.”

A full listing of Mr McCarthy’s other walking tours for National Heritage Week are available on his website at www.corkheritage.ie.

Mahon Point Taekwon-Do classes resume September 2

Taekwon-Do classes will be returning to Mahon Point from September 2, for people of all ages. The classes, every Wednesday, from 7.15pm to 8.15pm, will be taught by Cork ITF Taekwon-Do, in the community room.

Instructors are Leonard Coughlan, a 6th-degree black belt with more than 30 years of experience, and Martyna Coughlan, a 2nd-degree black belt with a background in physical education.

Participants will learn martial arts, develop self-defence, improve fitness, meet people, and receive invitations to participate in local, national, and international events.

Classes are available for children as young as four. See www.corkitf@gmail.com.

Ballinlough Summer Festival

Organisers of the Ballinlough Summer Festival, on August 30, are calling on the public to take part in their ‘Grandparents of The Year’ competition.

In a post on social media, a spokesperson said they are looking for nominations for the best grandparents from members of the Mahon, Blackrock, and surrounding communities

Nominators are asked to detail why their grandparents deserve the ‘Grandparents of The Year’ title in a few short lines, with a deadline for nominations of August 23.

For more information, or to submit a nomination, email: ballinloughsummerfestival@gmail.com.

Rowing Club regatta

The Blackrock Rowing Club has announced a Mini Fun Regatta as part of the Blackrock Village Festival.

The festival will take place on August 23 from 1pm, with the regatta at 3pm.

In a post shared on social media, a spokesperson said that their members will be joined by a number of rival clubs to “hash it out on the water for all the village to see”. “If you’re interested in giving it a go for the new season, give us your details,” the spokesperson added.

For more information, call 083 1863986.

Sewage smell at cemetery

A representative from Uisce Éireann has said that crews are investigating reports of a sewage smell in the Ballinure/St Michael’s Cemetery.

A report was made to the agency by Independent councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Kieran McCarthy, on behalf of the residents of St Michael’s Drive.

“A good number of people have contacted me about the sewage smell in and around Ballinure/St Michael’s Cemetery area,” said Mr McCarthy. “I reported the matter to Uisce Eireann, [and] they have confirmed to me that they are investigating the matter.

The Uisce Éireann spokesperson said that the agency is aware that “this issue is a source of concern” for residents. “As soon as further information becomes available, a member of our team will be in contact,” they said.

“Your continued patience and understanding are greatly appreciated, whilst we investigate.”