All About Cork: Water supply in Cork treated as ‘a luxury’, says councillor

Councillor Margaret McDonnell has highlighted ongoing water outages affecting residents in the Glanmire area, which have often come with no pre-warning from Uisce Éireann.

Many households have been left without water almost every weekend since early July, often for periods of up to 24 hours or longer, she told The Echo.

“This is a totally unacceptable situation for both families and businesses in Glanmire. Basic access to a consistent water supply cannot be treated as a luxury.

“For weeks now, residents have endured repeated outages with little or no explanation or warning from Irish Water, whose communication to their customers on this issue has been sadly lacking”

Both Ms McDonnell and local TD Padraig O’Sullivan have raised the matter directly with Uisce Éireann, and highlighted the high level of frustration among the community at the way enquiries have been handled.

“Clear, honest information from Uisce Éireann would enable them to take whatever precautions are necessary during the outage period,” said Ms McDonnell, adding that there are other issues across the North-East ward.

“We already have residents living under boil water notices for years. Now we are experiencing unannounced outages almost every weekend. With hundreds of new houses under construction or recently granted planning permission, the question has to be asked: How can the system possibly cope with more demand when it cannot meet today’s needs?

“This is about fairness, safety and trust. The people of Glanmire, and Cork north east as a whole, are entitled to nothing less.”

An Uisce Éireann spokesperson told The Echo: “For unplanned outages, Uisce Éireann immediately investigate the issue and work to restore normal water supply to impacted homes and businesses as quickly and as safely as possible. For unforeseen or unplanned outages, or emergency events, it is not possible to provide advance notice to customers. However, information is added to the Uisce Éireann supply and service section website following notification of the water supply issue.”

They added that customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number for text alerts.

“For the unplanned outage in Glanmire caused by a burst that occurred on July 28, a press release was also issued to media and elected representatives. The areas affected included Glen Richmond Estate and Richmond Estate, and an alternative water supply was put in place to support customers.

“For the unplanned outage caused by a burst on a rising main from Ballingohig to Knockahorgan reservoir on August 11, this burst occurred in a difficult area to access and repair works took place on August 11. Following this repair, the team on the ground ensured there were no isolated properties without water.”

Good taste in children’s stories

Fitness classes open

The Health and Fitness boutique in Glanmire is currently taking bookings for the new six week term of pilates and kettlebell classes starting week commencing Monday, September 1.

The autumn class timetable features evening pilates at 6.30pm, and kettlebells and core at 7.30pm on Mondays.

On Tuesday’s, there are two evening pilates classes at 6pm and 7pm, while there is morning pilates on Thursday at 9.30am, then kettlebells and core at 6.30pm and evening pi

Mayfield library events

lates at 7.30pm.

Pilates is €60 and kettlebells is €50, both for a six week term, and all classes are called in the community room, Supervalu, Glanmire.

To book, contact Lindsey at 086-8773107 or message on instagram at: @thehealthandfitnessboutique.

Tivoli resurfacing complete

Resurfacing works on Upper Lotabeg Road in Tivoli have now been completed ahead of schedule, local councillor, Independent Ireland’s Noel O’Flynn has said.

“This project had originally been planned for 2026, but through my ongoing engagement with Cork City Council, I was able to secure an earlier start date, ensuring that residents and road users benefit sooner from safer and smoother travel,” said Mr O’Flynn.

“These essential improvements are a step forward in enhancing road safety and the quality of life in the area.”

Mr O’Flynn thanked residents for their patience during the works.

“This is a positive step forward, and I will continue to push for further investment in our road network.

“In particular, I am hopeful that in the coming months we will see more resurfacing works taking place across Mayfield, Montenotte, and the Dillons Cross area.”

Mayfield library events

A bee cookie workshop was held at Mayfield Library on August 16 as part of the library’s Cork on a Fork programme, and was expertly delivered by “Anyone 4 Science”.

Suitable for children aged eight and up, attendees learned all about the anatomy of the bee whilst making an edible, anatomically correct bee model cookie.

Mayfield Library’s August art exhibition, Behind the Portrait, is still running. It is a dual affair by artists Marie Bryan and Jingwei Wang, who have very contrasting styles.

The pair returned to the library on August 19 to offer the public a free hour of portrait sketching for Heritage Week.

Executive librarian Richard Forrest told The Echo: “With eight 15-minute slots on offer, demand was tight, but the results are fabulous. Marie and Jingwei captured library visitors of varying ages and moods, with one portrait, now framed, currently on its way to New Zealand to a relative of the sitter.

“The library would like to express its appreciation to the artists for facilitating such a wonderful opportunity of public engagement.”

Taekwon-do classes

Mayfield ITA taekwon-do classes are offering a free uniform to all new beginners this September for their beginners classes, which are suitable for children from four years old. The school is currently enrolling.

The classes are a great way to build confidence, discipline and friendships and all instructors are first aid trained, garda vetted and safeguarding level 1 certified.

They run six classes a week, with classes for children aged four to six, seven to nine and 10 to 12 on Mondays and Thursdays. Classes are held at Scoil Mhuire agus Eoin at Boherboy Rd, Lotabeg. To sign up, contact instructor Darragh Haydon on 083 896 3831.

Montenotte dining event

The Montenotte has invited celebrity chef and TV presenter Matt Tebbutt, and cocktail and spirit expert Carmen O’Neal, to host a dining experience with executive head chef Martin Lovell on Wednesday, September 10.

The evening will start at The Glasshouse, The Montenotte’s rooftop bar, with one of Carmen’s cocktails and an array of seasonal canapes.

The evening will then continue into The Gallery Suite, where guests will enjoy a sit-down three course dinner menu and cocktail pairing with Matt and Carmen. The menu includes a cured local duck breast starter, followed by roast turbot with mussel and butter sauce and a dessert of spiced apple tarte tatin.

Matt Tebbutt began as a trainee for Marco Pierre White and went on to win AA Restaurant of the Year at The Foxhunter before entering his career in television. Carmen O’Neal is the founder of 58 and CO, the first female led alcohol brand to receive a B-Corp certification. Her London-based distillery leads events, masterclasses, and speaking engagements.

The event will run from 6.30pm at The Glasshouse, with dining from 7.30pm in The Gallery Suite. Bookings are now open for this event with tickets starting at €160 per person. To book, visit eventbrite.ie.