All About Cork: Progress on Lehenaghmore Rd improvement scheme

Cork County Council has issued updates on progress on the Lehenaghmore Rd improvement scheme.

The council said that contractor Glas is engaged with establishing the main site compound and conducting pre-construction property condition surveys, vibration surveys, and surveys to map the locations of existing utilities and baseline noise.

Over the next month, as well as completing these surveys, Glas envisages carrying out a number of works which may result in traffic management restrictions for locals.

On Monday, August 25, a CCTV survey under stop/go traffic management with single lane traffic was conducted.

Further work commenced on Monday and will continue for 10 days from 7am to 7pm. These works include slit trenches over the site area to confirm the locations of utilities.

Works will commence at the bottom of Togher Rd and will progress uphill and then move on to Pouladuff Rd. Traffic management restrictions will be removed at the end of each day.

On Monday, September 1, drainage works will commence on Togher Rd.

They will progress uphill to the junction with Pouladuff Rd.

Where the road is wide enough for two vehicles, traffic lights will be in place to restrict the traffic to a single lane, and where the road widens, Glas aims to maintain two lanes of traffic.

The drainage works may take until mid to late October to complete.

These works will be in effect from 7am to 7pm, with traffic restrictions remaining in place overnight.

At the same time, work will also commence to clear hedgerows and trees to allow for construction of the works on the right-hand side of Togher Rd, and on the left-hand side, uphill of the OBR Group housing development.

Works will require minor traffic management and should take fewer than two weeks to complete.

The site clearance will then commence on the right-hand side, at the bottom of Pouladuff Rd, opposite the Inver garage and adjacent to Cork Builders Providers.

Following completion of the site compound set-up, Glas crews will commence installation of ducting works for utility diversions as well as offline accommodation works.

The timetable for the scheme is provisional, based on current forecasts and favourable conditions.

While Glas will strive to follow the planned schedule, unforeseen events may require changes. Any significant updates will be communicated promptly to residents and stakeholders.

Glas said it will attempt to minimise the disruption caused during these essential works, and apologised in advance for any inconvenience caused.

Furry friends at food festival

Talk on menopause diet

The Change Cafe will be back in action on Tuesday, September 9, and will welcome the return of Neil Hogan from Beat Alzheimers.

The Change Cafe is a community-led initiative for women’s health, empowering women by providing free information and workshops to help them to navigate through their own journey of health, wellness, and menopause.

Mr Hogan has developed the Sharper Brains course to help people to maintain healthy minds as they age. Speaking in Ballyphehane Community Centre on Tory Top Rd at 7pm, Mr Hogan will focus on how changes to diet can reduce the ill-effects of menopause. The talk will be accompanied by a cooking demonstration.

The talk is free and you can register your interest by emailing grainne@bbtcdp.ie or calling 021 4319085.

St Francis Brownies and Guides

St Francis Brownies and St Francis Guides, The Lough, is open for new members.

The Brownie Unit, part of Irish Girl Guides, caters for girls from seven to 10 and offers a varied programme of activities including arts and crafts, drama, games, and more.

“Our aim is to provide a fun environment where confidence can flourish and friendships blossom. We will be restarting our meetings in September 2025,” the group has said.

“We are thrilled to announce that we are also setting up a Guide unit for girls from 10 and 14 this year.”

Guides follow a four-year journey programme designed to develop their independence, self-confidence, teamwork and leadership skills. This is done through meeting activities, outdoor camping, indoor weekends, outdoor activities, and international travel. You do not have to have been a Brownie in order to join Guides.

Email: stfrancisbrownies@gmail .com to find out more. Further information at irishgirlguides.ie

Chair yoga classes resume

Chair yoga classes resume in Ballyphehane Community Centre on Thursday, September 11, at 12.45pm.

The benefits of the classes include reducing stress and anxiety, as well as improving balance, strength, and flexibility.

Spaces are limited, call 085 114 5744 to book your spot or email corkchairyoga@gmail.com.

Drumming lessons

Togher-based drummer Cian O’Sullivan will be providing drumming lessons for anyone interested in learning a new skill.

With over 20 years of playing experience and over 10 years in drum education, Cian will provide flexible lesson plans in groove, technique, improvisation, and learned songs.

A graded syllabus is also available. Classes will suit all ages from eight and up.

Email cian.osullivan.drums@gmail.com.

Slimming World invitation

Ballyphehane-based Slimming World with Susan is inviting new members to join and work towards improving their health and wellbeing.

“We’ve helped people take that often really hard step into a friendly local group. That might not seem much but when that small step leads to life changing events,” group leader Susan said on social media.

Susan highlighted the benefits of the weekly classes, including becoming medication-free after managing health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure; being able to move more after reducing joint pain and using fewer painkillers, and having an improved sense of wellbeing and self-esteem being supported by people who understand.

“There are so many success stories in every group, it really is so much more than ‘just losing weight’. My groups are very friendly and supportive, and everyone who comes through my doors knows exactly how you feel.

“My groups are non-judgement and a safe place to be, where you can be yourself.”

Sessions are held in Ballyphehane’s Nano Nagle Theatre on Lower Friars Walk, T12YH70, on Thursday mornings at 7.30am or 9.30am and on Thursday evenings at 5.30pm.

Contact Susan via call or text on 087 900 4440.

Household waste drop-off

Cork City Council is to hold a ‘one day only’ opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste for free.

On Saturday, August 30, from 8.30am to 12.30pm, householders can dispose of household waste for free at Tramore Valley Park.

There will be a limit of 10 paint cans per customer and a limit of 25l of motor oil per person. Only products in original containers with original labels will be accepted.

This event is strictly restricted to householders, no commercial or farm waste is permitted.

Materials may not be left at the venue outside of opening hours, and only those who have registered via the booking website will gain entry.

To check out the full list of accepted items and to book your slot, visit www.mywaste.ie.