All About Cork: Surveys to determine speed measures at Ballyhooly Rd

In the past number of weeks, Cork City Council have had traffic and speed surveys carried out at three locations between the bottom of Summerhill North and the North Ring Road to determine the volume of traffic and the extent of speeding on Summerhill North and Ballyhooly Road.

A council spokesperson told Independent Ireland councillor Noel O’Flynn that they are currently awaiting the data from the contracted surveyor, which will feed into the assessment to determine if Ballyhooly Road is a suitable location for a Driver Feedback Sign.

Mr O’Flynn has asked the council what measures are proposed for residents in Summerhill and Ballyhooly Road who have been advocating for speed reduction measures, including with handmade signs appealing to drivers to slow down, though these were removed by council.

He was also told that a Safe Routes to School project funded by the NTA is proposed for St. Luke’s National School on Mahony’s avenue off Summerhill North as well as front of school measures. This project will also include the installation of a pedestrian crossing on Summerhill North, a zebra crossing on Wellington Road and an uncontrolled raised crossing on Mahony’s avenue.

In addition, the public consultation for a proposed pedestrian crossing in the vicinity of Gordons Hill on Ballyhooly Road is currently open.

In the longer term, BusConnects proposes a suite of measures on Ballyhooly Road and Summerhill North including raised tables and additional pedestrian crossings.

Labour councillor John Maher had also asked if there had been any progress made on having the road designated as a 30km/h zone.

He was told that following guidelines issued by the department of transport on 16 October with regard to the implementation of 30 km/hr speed limits in urban areas, Ballyhooly Road will be considered for a 30 km/hr speed limit as part of this review. The department aims to have the changes implemented by 31 March 2027.

Shine A Light informative talk

Last Tuesday, the Mayfield Chit Chat group welcomed representatives from Cork charity Shine A Light Suicide and Mental Health Awareness.

Mick Nugent and Candace Davey from the charity attended and delivered an informative and important talk on mental health awareness. They thanked group coordinator Lisa Murphy for inviting them and organising.

Mayfield Chit Chat will meet again tomorrow in the Daffodil Room in the CDP Community Resource Centre, with all welcome to attend.

Shine A Light Suicide and Mental Health Awareness are always open to organising mental health workshops in the community or workplace. They can be contacted by email at info@shinealightcork.ie or by phone on 021 4192202.

No Name Club gathering

More than 250 young people from across Ireland, including the team from St Joseph’s Mayfield No Name Club, gathered together at the No Name Club Annual Youth Conference.

The conference took place in TUS Athlone recently, and participants heard talks around positive mental health, wellbeing, and alcohol awareness.

They also enjoyed a great afternoon of fun and games, putting their leadership skills to the test.

The young people are all members of No Name Club, a national, voluntary youth organisation that aims to empower young people aged 15-18 by providing a fun, safe environment where they can socialise without the pressures of alcohol or drugs.

Founded in 1978, No Name Club plays a vital role in offering young people safe spaces where they can build confidence and social skills, with members taking a leading role in running their clubs.

At a time when loneliness and anxiety are reported as on the increase among teenagers, recent research among No Name Club members around the impacts the clubs deliver found that 93% of members report increased confidence and self-esteem, 91% of members say they have experienced personal development, 81% of members report improved mental wellbeing, and 95% of members have made new friendships through the club.

Glanmire greenway works

Work has started on the new Glanmire greenway, a safe new pedestrian and cycleway which will connect Hazelwood Rd to Dunkettle Rd, linking important infrastructure and amenities such as schools and residential developments in the area.

The greenway will run through the former John Barleycorn Hotel site, John O’Callaghan Park, and lands at Glyntown (adjacent to Riverstown FC football pitches).

In January, works will start on installing two new pedestrian and cycle bridges that form part of the greenway.

When the bridge works begin, it will be necessary to close part of John O’Callaghan Park in the interest of public safety, but the council will ensure the playground in the park stays open throughout the works

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