All About Cork: Blackrock to be assessed for bus shelter next year

Cork City Council has confirmed that Blackrock Village will be assessed next year for the installation of a bus shelter under the bus stop enhancement programme (BSEP).

In response to a recent query, submitted by Labour Party councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Peter Horgan, and by Fine Gael councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Des Cahill, a representative for the local authority said that while the area “is not included in the 2025 programme of works”, it will be considered in 2026.

“This location is not included in the 2025 programme of works for bus stop enhancement. However, we will include it in the next programme for assessment,” the spokesperson said.

Mr Horgan and Mr Cahill have been working collectively to secure a bus shelter along Convent Rd in Blackrock Village since the AGM of the Blackrock Community Association in April, where the issue was first raised by concerned commuters.

Following that meeting, Mr Cahill raised the matter of installing a bus shelter — to protect vulnerable commuters from the elements — with the local area committee, while Mr Horgan contacted the National Transport Authority (NTA), the body that is charged with the installation of bus shelters.

A spokesperson for the NTA said that Cork City Council received an allocation of €500,000 under the BSEP in 2025, so as to enhance bus stop locations across the administrative area.

“The funding provided under the BSEP is intended to enable each local authority to enhance bus-stop facilities, including the provision of bus shelters, where appropriate,” the spokesperson said.

“To further assist local authorities and [to] make the process more streamlined, the NTA will, through a central supply contract, provide any required bus shelters to the local authority.

“In addition, the NTA will also arrange for its contractor to undertake their installation [and] to maintain the bus shelters subsequently.”

Mr Horgan said that the installation of a shelter along the Convent Rd would be “crucial” for the local community.

“Devolved funding is a critical component in delivering local infrastructure like this,” said Mr Horgan.

“I was disappointed we couldn’t get it on the list for the 2025 fund, but I will work cross-party to give as much pressure as possible for it to be included in the 2026 funding line.”

Mr Cahill said he is “delighted that this has got the go ahead”, as it will “enhance the use of the bus in the village”.

Lighting upgrade hailed

Independent councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Kieran McCarthy has commended Cork City Council as crews undergo a citywide public lighting upgrade project.

Mr McCarthy said that it is “great to see this ongoing work”, as several areas across Blackrock have seen the completion of upgrade works.

“The public lighting department of Cork City Council is currently progressing with a citywide public lighting upgrade project. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the safety, efficiency, and compliance of public lighting infrastructure across Cork city. It’s great to see this ongoing work, [and] several upgrades have already been completed in the South East Local Electoral Area.”

Areas that have seen upgrades include Nutley Rd and Avenue, and Beechwood Rd, Close and Court.

€8k raised for Rainbow Club

The Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism has announced that €8,192.23 was raised for the charity at their annual masquerade ball, sponsored by several local Cork businesses, at the Carrigaline Court Hotel.

The event aims to raise funds for the Mahon-based centre, which helps more than 1,000 families across Cork.

In a post on social media, a spokesperson for the centre said the support from attendees “made the night so special”.

“We are absolutely thrilled to share that our annual masquerade ball raised a grand total of €8,192.23,” the spokesperson said.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every person who supported us — our incredible sponsors, generous donors, dedicated staff who gave up their time to help out on the night, and of course, everyone who attended and made the night so special.

“Your kindness and generosity will make a real difference, and we are so grateful to have such an amazing community behind us.”

Friends of Ballintemple fundraiser

Members of the public across the Cork City South East ward are invited to attend an upcoming fundraiser in aid of two local charities.

The Friends of Ballintemple fundraiser will take place at the Blackrock Hurling Club on November 28 from 8pm, with live music and a spot raffle.

The evening will see performances from
the Tiny Shed Band and DJ Ken, with guests given the opportunity to win a special raffle prize of a two-night luxury stay away and dinner for two at the award-winning Aroi Restaurant in Kilkenny.

Tickets for the event are priced from €10 and will be available to purchase at the door on the night.

All proceeds from the event will go towards the School of the Divine Child and Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism.

For more information, contact Mark Slowey on: 087-7938186.

One Book One Community competition

Scoil Na Croise Naofa has announced the launch of their ‘One Book One Community’ competition, with students and their families encouraged to take part.

The competition, which provides students with a range of reading material options, is aimed at encouraging creativity and imagination.

Children, parents, and guardians taking part are asked to choose from three books — Global by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin, A Little Birdie Told Me by Tarsila Krüse, and Arabella Pepper: The Wild Detective by ER Murray — and create “something that represents the story — let your imagination run wild”.

Pieces are to be submitted by November 4, with the winning creation showcased at a community exhibition.

Prizes are available for first, second, and third place.

For more information, contact: info@holycrosscork.ie.

Beginner rowing classes

The Blackrock Rowing Club has announced the launch of a beginner programme for adults.

In a post shared on social media, a spokesperson for the club said that “due to popular demand, we are pleased to announce that we will be running a beginner programme for aspiring adult rowers”.

“The programme will help you get the basics of the rowing stroke and give you all the information and knowledge you’ll need to kickstart your rowing career.

“After three sessions on the machine you’ll be integrated in with the existing members training sessions!

“We are a very friendly bunch and can’t wait to make some more friends.”

The beginner sessions, available to people over the age of 18 years old only, take place on Sunday mornings in groups of eight.

• For more information, email:
  blackrockrowingclub@gmail.com.