All About Cork: Local groups invited to avail of 2026 community grants

Cork City Council is inviting applications from Ballyphehane and Togher community groups for its €260,000 Community Development Grant programme 2026.

The programme aims to help fund grassroots projects that make a real difference.

The funding will be made available in two streams — with €160,000 available under the community association capital grants scheme and €100,000 available under the small scale programme grant scheme.

The community associations capital grant stream can fund recognised community associations across Cork City for capital or building maintenance work.

The small scale programme grant stream can fund community groups in the Cork City area for once-off, small scale programme activities, excluding arts and sports activities.

The small scale programme grants scheme can help to fund: some summer camp programmes; monthly tea dances for the elderly; an international camp for scouts and girl guide groups; parent and toddler groups; family fun day in the community; and the purchase of a composter for both Ballyphehane and Togher community gardens.

Cork City Council has said that the larger community association capital grant stream can help to fund projects such as: the replacement and repair of a roof in community centres; the installation of a fence on community centre grounds; enhanced energy efficiency works in community hubs; elements of flood relief works; the purchase of IT equipment; and new flooring in a sports hall.

Ballyphehane Community Centre has recently refurbished the flooring in the sports hall and is looking forward to reopening following the development project this week. A spokesperson for the community centre said: “Thank you all for your patience, understanding, and continued support throughout the year — it truly means so much to us. We can’t wait to welcome you back to enjoy the refreshed space together.”

The money from the grant is specifically aimed at grassroots projects — ideas that come from the community, for the community.

Whether it’s improving shared spaces, supporting cultural activities, or creating programmes that bring people together, Cork City Council wants to fund projects and ideas that support and strengthen communities.

Togher native and Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, encouraged recognised community groups to apply for the funding.

“These funding streams represent great opportunities to support communities and associations across the city,” he said.

“Many of our community organisations do incredible work on the ground, very often on a voluntary basis, and they truly are the backbone of our city.

“It is important that we acknowledge and support them through these grants, whether for larger capital projects or smaller-scale initiatives, all of which make a real and lasting difference to our communities and to our citizens.

“I am personally delighted to see these projects develop further in 2026.”

City council CEO Valerie O’Sullivan said the council is proud to support local community groups such as those in the Togher and Ballyphehane area by this funding.

Further details about the Community Development Grant programmes, including the on-line application form for funding, can be found at www.corkcity.ie and the Submit Portal https://submit.link/4a9.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm 2nd February 2026.

New boss at the Cross

Cork City have named former Aberdeen and Raith Rovers manager Barry Robson as the club’s new first team boss.

The 47-year-old takes the reins at City on an initial two-year contract and comes in to replace Ger Nash who surprisingly stepped down from role in last month.

Robson, who takes charge with immediate effect said: “I’m delighted to become manager of Cork City FC.

“From speaking to the club, it’s clear that this is a great opportunity. We all want Cork City to achieve its full potential and our first target is a successful league campaign, which is our clear aim for the season ahead.

“There is a talented group of players already at the club, and I look forward to getting to work with them, starting straight away.

“I’ve played at Turner’s Cross before and I know all about the passionate supporter base that Cork City has, so I can’t wait to lead the side out there

New garda appointments

An Garda Síochána have announced details of the recent appointments and allocations of its members in the city area.

Superintendent Gary McPolin will transfer to Togher Garda Station and have responsibility for the Cork City South community engagement functional area of the Cork City Garda Division.

The announcements are part of the Garda Operating Model, a model introduced as part of A Policing Service for the Future, which is the implementation plan based on the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.

This model is recommended by the both the Commission of the Future of Policing in Ireland and the Garda Inspectorate.

The restructure reflects international best practice as well as the realities of modern-day policing in Ireland, the changing nature of crime and the transformation in population trends.

Tidy Towns Return 

Ballyphehane Tidy Towns have returned following a well-earned winter break. The group took the streets over the weekend, with a spokesperson saying:

“We’re back after our Christmas and New Year break, it was lovely to be back out today and catch up with everyone.

“Even while we were off, our legendary poop fairy was still on duty, keeping the dog bins emptied.” 

“Judging by the amount of litter collected, it’s fair to say… we were missed, but thanks to our amazing volunteers, Ballyphehane is already looking better again. A huge thanks to everyone who came out today. It is great to be back in action.” 

School staff vacancy 

Presentation Secondary School, Ballyphehane are currently recruiting for two positions.

The Pres is seeking a temporary or full-time caretaker, as well as a part-time cleaner for up to 14 hours per week. Interested in joining the Pres team? Please send your CV to admin@presballyphehane.com.

Cllr Boyle leaves X

 Local Councillor and former Lord Mayor, Dan Boyle has joined a string of other members of the local authority in boycotting the social media platform X.

The platform, bought by Elon Musk in 2022, has made headlines recently over the social media platform’s Grok AI generating sexual abuse imagery and child sexual abuse material.

In a statement, Cllr Boyle said: “As of today I will no longer be posting on Twitter/X. Its platform management through an amoral ownership and abandonment of honour, truth and decency as societal norms, make it a decision for me that I question only in why I have persevered so long.

“For the most part and for the longest time I have enjoyed the engagement the platform provided. However, it has now overwhelmingly become a provider and promoter of evil intent with its content. I would encourage others to also stop posting, at least until more appropriate owners/managers with standards can be found there.” 

Bingo back in Ballyphehane 

Ballyphehane Community Centre has announced that bingo will return to the Hane tonight, Wednesday.

A spokesperson for the community centre said: “A huge thank you to everyone for your patience while our hall flooring has been replaced and restored. We really appreciate your understanding during the work.

“To say thanks, we’re giving back in a big way with €1,000 jackpots guaranteed to be won on both nights. We can’t wait to welcome you back for two fantastic nights of bingo, fun, and great prizes. See you all there.” 

Computer Course 

Ballyphehane FET is now enrolling for a Word Processing Level 4 QQI course. This course is ideal for anyone looking to improve their computer skills and gain a recognised qualification.

The course will run on Monday mornings from 9am to 11:30am in Ballyphehane FET Centre.

To apply, contact Brid on 087 684 9150 or brid.ryder@corketb.ie.