All About Cork: Students power up with ‘Energize’ programme

Students from Ballinlough are among the first to benefit from Gas Networks Ireland and Junior Achievement Ireland’s ‘Energize’ Programme.

The programme, featuring newly developed educational content designed to deepen students’ understanding of energy and sustainability, aims to encourage students to continue studying science subjects through second level education.

The relaunch, which took place during Science Week, introduces an exciting new chapter for the programme which has been delivered by Junior Achievement Ireland in partnership with Gas Networks Ireland to students across Ireland since 2018.

The new content will introduce students to different types of energy, with a particular focus on renewable gas and how Gas Networks Ireland is transforming Ireland’s gas network for a cleaner more sustainable future.

As part of the relaunch, sixth class students from Our Lady of Lourdes National School in Ballinlough will be among the first to experience the new programme.

During their visit to Gas Networks Ireland’s headquarters in Cork city, the students toured the company’s grid control centre, where Ireland’s gas network is monitored in real time, and its main stores, from which its field staff and operations teams are equipped.

Students then took part in the updated workshop during which they focused on how organic waste breaks down and can be used to form energy and constructed windmills to help them understand renewables infrastructure.

Gráinne O’Reilly, social sustainability manager at Gas Network Ireland, said they were “excited to introduce the new and refreshed concepts within the Energize Programme to sixth class students from Our Lady of Lourdes National School at our Cork office”.

“Through these updates to the ‘Energize’ programme, students will gain valuable insights into sustainability, the circular economy, and natural processes.

“Educating and inspiring our future workforce is something we are passionate about at Gas Networks Ireland.

“As we move towards a cleaner energy future for Ireland, our younger generations will play a vital role in shaping it.”

Gas Networks Ireland is an ambassador for the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications as part of the SDG Ireland Champions Programme.

The Energize programme supports progress towards Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 12: Climate Action.

Education tutor sought

The Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism, located at the Mahon Community Centre, is looking to recruit an alternative education tutor.

The organisation is looking for an experienced individual to take on the position in a full-time capacity.

Interested applicants should have a valid teaching council registration (route 1 or 2); a degree in early childhood; special education, or related field; experience in early intervention or special education; a strong work ethic; and excellent interpersonal skills.

Desired skills and traits include knowledge of autism-specific teaching strategies, excellent communication and active listening skills, and confidence using digital tools.

Qualified candidates should submit their CV, cover letter and qualified teaching council number, detailing their experience, via email to: karen@rainbowclub.ie by November 24.

Odours due to ‘septicity’

Uisce Éireann has said that odours noted in the Mahon and Blackrock area throughout September were “primarily due to septicity in the wastewater network”.

According to the organisation, this was caused by wastewater becoming stagnant in the network and was “exacerbated due to low flows during dry weather and warm temperatures”.

The organisation additionally said that works, which are due to be completed in Q4 of this year, are underway to deliver “enhancements to the Septiox Dosing system to improve odour abatement going forward”.

Labour Party councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Peter Horgan said it has been like “pulling teeth” to receive confirmation that works underway in the Ballinure Chamber and the Atlantic Pond.

“It has been intolerable for residents to have to put up with this on and off again odour,” said Mr Horgan.

“The fact that I had to complain to the EPA in the summer to get to this point now in November tells its own story. I will maintain the vigilance needed on this matter and all other water matters in the Mahon and Blackrock area.”

Blackrock car raffle

Blackrock National Hurling Club is reminding members of the public to take part in their upcoming raffle where one lucky winner will go home with a new car.

The raffle, taking place on December 21, will be hosted in association with Cogan’s Toyota, and will see one entrant go home with a new Toyota Yaris worth €30,000.

All proceeds made from the raffle will go towards the construction of a new gymnasium and underage dressing rooms at the club.

Tickets for the raffle are priced at €20 each, or €50 for three, with more than €4,500 raised for the club through ticket purchases at the time of print. For more information, visit: tinyurl.com/46tuzf3p.

Ballintemple padel facility

The city’s first padel venue will open this December in Ballintemple. The project, which will see a €4m investment, will be located along the Monahan Road.

The project will transform a 19,000sq ft industrial space near the Marina into a five-court indoor facility designed to bring together the city’s growing padel community in a modern, purpose-built facility.

Padel is a mix between tennis and squash, usually played in teams of two on an enclosed court, approximately one third of the size of a tennis court, surrounded by glass walls.

It is a family friendly activity that is accessible for new players. The club is expected to open in early December.

For more information, visit: facebook.com/thehivepadel.

Opinion sought on lighting

Sinn Féin Cork South Central TD, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has called on members of the public across Mahon to get in touch regarding concerns about public lighting.

In a post shared on social media, Mr Ó Laoghaire said that it is “unacceptable that the lighting is still out of action at the southern end of St Michael’s Lawn, after several weeks”.

“I have once again followed up with the council and the ESB, who it seems are required for this work,” said Mr Ó Laoghaire.

“If your area is affected by street lighting issues please get in touch.”

Rainbow Club ladies’ lunch

The Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism will host its annual ladies’ lunch in January.

The event, taking place at the Carrigaline Court Hotel on January 17, has been described by the organisation as “one of our MOST loved events of the entire year”.

In a post shared on social media, a spokesperson for the club said the event is aimed at gathering “moms, sisters, aunties, nanas, besties and every incredible woman in our lives for a well-deserved day of fun”.

Attendees will be treated to live music, alcoholic bubbles, a range of pop-up shops, bags of goodies and a raffle.

Tickets are priced at €70 and will go on sale tomorrow from 10am.