All About Cork: Complete upgrade the ‘only viable option’ for crossing

 Labour Party councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Peter Horgan, has called on the National Transport Authority (NTA) to deliver “streamlined funding” for improved pedestrian crossings in the Blackrock area.

In response to a query submitted by Mr Horgan, in relation to safety concerns regarding the Silverdale pedestrian crossing between Silverdale Avenue and Ashleigh Gardens, a spokesperson for the NTA said that engineers confirmed the crossing is “unsuitable for current safety standards”.

“After a site investigation, we have determined that the crossing does not comply with current regulations,” the spokesperson said.

“The feed is supplied from a pole, with the cable leading to an old-style box in an underground chamber.

“This chamber contains a fuse board with a barrel fuse, trip switch, and relay, which are all unsuitable for current safety standards.

“Additionally, the poles, gallery, lamp holders, and cables are severely corroded and rotten, indicating the site has been out of operation for some time.

“An attempt to install new bulbs was unsuccessful,” they added.

“Due to these significant issues, a complete upgrade is the only viable option.

“The crossing has been added to the NTA upgrade list, and if funding is approved, the work will be carried out under this programme.” Following the investigation, Mr Horgan has called on the NTA to implement interim measures to address these safety concerns as it is “critical” that all users of the Silverdale pedestrian crossing are protected.

“This crossing is a busy support spine to two primary schools but also services the wider community with access to Beaumont Park,” said Mr Horgan.

“It goes to show how vital these crossings are and how we need to maintain and build out more.

“It’s not just a slap of paint on the ground, they are technically obtuse at times but we do need a streamlined funding pot to deliver more crossings and repair the ones we have.

“I have sought for interim measures to be rolled out at this crossing while the funding is secured,” he added.

“It’s critical that the safety of all users here is protected.”

Gardaí probe accident

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to a serious accident in Blackrock on Monday.

The single vehicle e-scooter crash occurred on the Skehard Road between Silverdale Drive and Parkhill.

The driver, a male in his 20s, was taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment of injuries believed to be serious but not life-threatening at this time. A technical examination of the scene was conducted, with gardaí appealing for witnesses who were travelling towards Mahon between 3.15pm and 3.45pm to contact them.

Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, are also asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.

Gardaí can be contacted at Anglesea Street Garda Station on 021 4522000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Call on public to suggest housing

Independent councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Kieran McCarthy, is reminding landowners across the Blackrock and Mahon area to suggest lands to Cork City Council for residential zoning.

In a post shared on social media, Mr McCarthy said Cork City Council is seeking suggestions from landowners, homebuilders and interested parties across the Cork City South East ward for lands suitable for residential zoning in order to accelerate housing delivery.

“The first revision of the National Planning Framework earlier this year highlights the need for accelerated housing delivery across the country,” said Mr McCarthy.

“The recent publication of the housing growth requirements guidelines seeks local authorities to review their development plans with a view to zoning additional residential lands where they can be justified.

Online submissions will be accepted until November 10. For more, see 

Tree walkway at Marina Park

Cork City Council has announced the opening of the elevated tree walkway at Marina Park.

A spokesperson for the council said the project comes ahead of the opening of the final section of the park in November.

“Enjoy an exciting new place to stroll, play, and enjoy nature this weekend,” the spokesperson said. “The elevated tree walkway, woodland paths, and Barrington’s Folly section of Marina Park has opened. This is the second section of phase two of the 32-hectare Marina Park to open, with Holland Park and the playground having opened over the summer. The final section, Atlantic Pond, is on track to reopen to the public this coming November.

“Marina Park, when completed, will be a regional park six times the size of Fitzgerald’s Park, the green heart at the centre of the 146 hectares regenerated Docklands area.”

Mahon’s ‘Little Free Library’

The Mahon Tidy Towns group have announced the erection of a ‘Little Free Library’ on the grounds of the Mahon Community Centre, in a bid to encourage an uptake in reading.

In a post shared on social media, a spokesperson for the group thanked the secretary of Mahon Tidy Towns for heading the project: “Mahon Tidy Towns would like to thank our talented member and secretary Katie, for taking on the project of upcycling an old press, for our Little Free Library book unit.”

Festival investment scheme

Independent councillor for the Cork City South East ward Kieran McCarthy is reminding small to mid-scale festival organisers to apply for funding under the festivals investment scheme. Mr McCarthy said the funding programme is “a competitive scheme that offers funding to support the staging of festivals on a non-recurring basis”.

“The festivals investment scheme supports small to mid-scale festivals to deliver high-quality arts experiences for audiences,” said Mr McCarthy.

Successful applicants will be awarded up to €45,000 in funding, with the closing date for applications set for November 20.

For further information, or to apply for the scheme, see here.

Rainbow Club fundraiser ball

Representatives from the Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism are reminding members of the public to purchase a ticket for their annual masquerade ball.

The event will take place on October 11 at the Carrigaline Court Hotel, with tickets from €75.

In a post shared on social media, organisers of the event said that the evening will raise “much-needed funds” for the service.

“Tickets are still on sale for our upcoming annual masquerade ball, proudly sponsored by Green Veldt,” the spokesperson said.

“This is our biggest fundraising event of the year and a truly special celebration as we mark 10 incredible years since opening our doors here at Mahon Community Centre.”

For more information, see here.