All About Cork: Roofing leaks among litany of issues at sports complex

While Mayfield Sports Complex this year celebrates five decades as a hub for the local community, the Government has been criticised for failing to address ongoing issues with the facility.

A spokesperson for the centre said: “Much of the original infrastructure still exists; but only through the determination of the staff and volunteers who have fought to keep it alive.

“Urgent issues include: severe roof leaks damaging internal spaces and interrupting services; outdated electrical and lighting systems; a pool plant room requiring over €200,000 in repairs; public changing rooms unsuitable for today’s standards of accessibility and privacy; constant drain blockages in pool, changing rooms, and toilets; energy inefficiency, and non-compliance with modern safety regulations. Facilities once offered, such as the tennis courts and grass pitches, have been lost,” they said.

“One court is now a car park; another lies in disrepair. The two grass playing fields which were under the ownership of the complex have long since gone fallow.”

At last Monday’s council meeting, Labour councillor John Maher questioned what the local authority’s responsibilities and obligations were in relation to the complex.

Noel Murtagh, acting director of local area development and operations, explained that Mayfield Sports Complex was owned by the Department of Education as it was attached to Mayfield Community School.

“Because of the public swimming pool element, despite not having formal responsibilities, the city council has always been supportive of the leisure centre, being represented by councillors and officials on the management advisory committee, which reports to the board of management of the school,” said Mr Murtagh.

“For a long period of years, the council has given an annual grant from its revenue budget towards the maintenance and upkeep of the premises, grant provision in 2025 being €41,200 which was approved by members of council.”

Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn has condemned the Government for allowing Mayfield Sports Complex to deteriorate into what he described as “a monument to broken promises”.

“Half a century ago, the State built Mayfield Sports Complex. It was a model of co-operation, built to serve both the school and the community,” he said. “Today, that same building leaks, crumbles, and limps along through the goodwill of staff and volunteers.”

Over €4m spent on parks

More than €578,600 has been spent refurbishing parks in Cork city’s north-east ward since 2021, as well as almost €3.5m on maintaining them, new figures from Cork City Council have shown.

Data provided to Sinn Féin councillor for the north-west ward, Michelle Gould, shows that the amount spent since 2021 includes €22,015 on Glenamoy Park, Mayfield, and €105,000 on John O’Callaghan Park, Glanmire, as well as €206,085 at Meelick Park, €15,000 in The Glen, €35,000 in Tank Field, €176,000 in Tinkers Cross Park, and €19,500 in Foyer Playground, Blackpool.

A further €3,466,300 has gone into park maintenance across the ward during this time: €620,000 in 2021, €660,800 in 2022, €626,000 in 2023, €753,100 in 2024, and so far €806,400 in 2025.

Keegan gig at Live At St Luke’s

Blending the warmth of folk with the energy of indie-rock, James Keegan from Mayfield will play his debut show at Live At St Luke’s in December.

At just 21, the Cork folk/rock artist has already earned four No 1 singles on the Irish iTunes Charts, alongside praise from Live Nation, Hot Press Magazine, Earmilk, and Notion.

This has been his breakthrough year, with Keegan bringing his music to audiences worldwide, performing in over 16 countries around the world spanning across Europe, Scandinavia, and over 30 states in the US.

Along the way he toured with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Geoff Tate and Cork-born troubadour Tomás McCarthy, playing renowned venues such as the House of Blues in New Orleans, Ruth Eckerd Hall in Florida, and the Aztec Theatre in Texas.

Returning to Cork after a year of touring, his show will take place at St Luke’s on December 29 at 8pm.

Tickets are available for €25 on Eventbrite.

Banduff Road Scheme works

Work will begin this week on the Banduff Road Scheme, Cork City Council has confirmed to Independent Ireland councillor Noel O’Flynn.

McGinty & O’Shea has been appointed as contractor to carry out the work, for what Mr O’Flynn described as “a long-awaited scheme”, and construction is expected to take six months.

The main elements of the proposed works are the upgrade of existing footpaths and the provision of new ones on both sides of Banduff Rd; enhancements to permeability of abutting areas; and the provision of pedestrian crossing facilities, including signalised pedestrian crossings, zebra crossings, uncontrolled pedestrian crossings, and the use of table-top entry ramps on side roads.

Provision of bus stops on Banduff Rd for new public transport links and the installation of energy-efficient public lighting are also included in the plan.

Labour councillor John Maher said: “News of works happening on Banduff Rd are great but we must address the flooding while doing these works. I have emailed engineers in Cork City Council to ensure we sort this issue.”

Double yellow lines request

At the most recent local area committee meeting for the North East Ward, Fine Gael councillor Joe Kavanagh asked the council to consider implementing continuous double yellow lines on Leycester Lane (at the junction of Middle Glanmire Rd) on both sides of the road all the way up to the entrance of Clifton Downs on the right, and up to the second entrance/exit to Merrion Ct Estate on the left, coming from Middle Glanmire Rd.

“I’ve requested this on a number of occasions in the past at the request of local residents, so there are some yellow lines there currently. The implementation of the continuous double yellow lines will certainly enhance the safety of people using this road on a daily basis.”

He was told by a council spokesperson that in recent weeks a short infill section of double yellow lines that were missing were completed at Merrion Ct.

“There is an issue with illegal parking on double yellow lines in the area, which is blocking sightlines at the estate entrances,” said the spokesperson. “The parking enforcement section has been patrolling the area. The installation of double yellow lines from Middle Glanmire Rd to Merrion Ct/Clifton Downs will remove all parking from this section of road and may increase car speeds. The traffic section will review this request in more detail.”

Glanmire workspace to let

A workspace is available to let in Kaizen Physiotherapy Health Centre in Sallybrook, Glanmire.

The first-floor room includes access to kitchen and dining space, and there is a second room available on specific weekdays/times, as well as a waiting area for clients/patients, parking, and use of a gym and sports hall.

The space is ideal for professionals in healthcare and leisure but applications from other sectors will be considered. Contact Alan at
086 358 1762 or alan@kaizenphysio.ie.

Have news to share? Contact amy.campbell@theecho.ie