All About Cork: Funding scheme for sporting and community groups

Community, sporting, and voluntary groups across Cork County Council’s Carriagline municipal district can apply for vital financial aid under a funding scheme launched this week.

The Municipal District Community Fund Scheme 2026 will remain open for applications until Friday, February 13.

Fine Gael councillor for the Carrigaline area, Jack White, said the scheme plays a crucial role in supporting grassroots organisations that are the backbone of towns and villages throughout the county.

“This funding gives community and sporting groups the confidence to plan, develop, and deliver projects that make a real difference locally,” said Mr White.

“From upgrading community halls and sports facilities, to supporting Tidy Towns initiatives and purchasing essential equipment, this scheme helps turn good ideas into real improvements on the ground.”

Funding under the 2026 scheme is available across three distinct categories:

The capital fund scheme, aimed at enhancing the range or quality of community-based facilities such as halls and sporting amenities. This will support community groups, sporting organisations, and local bodies undertaking infrastructural projects costing more than €20,000;

The community contract is designed specifically for Tidy Towns groups working in partnership with Cork County Council on agreed local works and projects that enhance their areas. Groups applying under this category are encouraged to engage early with their area engineer and municipal district officer to discuss proposals before submitting their application;

The amenity fund scheme supports smaller-scale projects costing less than €20,000. These include the purchase of equipment or delivery of initiatives that directly benefit communities and address identified local needs, whether that be in sport, recreation, culture, or general amenity provision.

Mr White urged all eligible groups to review the scheme details carefully and begin preparing applications early.

“This scheme offers a significant opportunity for local organisations to invest in facilities, amenities, and projects that strengthen communities and improve quality of life,” Mr White said.

“These funds are competitive and well-subscribed, so early engagement and strong, well-prepared applications are key. I would encourage any group with an idea to take the time now to explore the scheme and seek advice where needed.”

Further information and online application details are available at www.corkcoco.ie and www.yourcouncil.ie.

Traffic, bins, and roadworks among topics for discussion

A number of motions by councillors will be up for discussion at the next monthly meeting of cork County Council’s Carriagline municipal district committee on Monday, January 19, at 2pm

Fine Gael’s Jack White is asking that the committee address issues relating to road traffic and parking — specifically cars parking on the roadside in Passage West and Monkstown reducing the traffic down to one lane, “causing inconvenience for residents and road users”, and cars queuing for the Cross River Ferry in the evenings blocking up the road.

Fianna Fáil’s Patrick Donovan is requesting that a disabled parking space be installed on the lower Kilmoney Rd, and that all existing disabled bays on Main St, Carrigaline, be re-painted and lined.

His party colleague, Audrey Buckley, asked that the committee examine the feasibility of rolling out a phased programme of solar bins within the municipal district, prioritising high-footfall areas such as local tourism locations and beaches.

One of Independent councillor Ben Dalton O’Sullivan’s motions asks that the remainder of the Five Mile to Ballinhassig road, specifically the section from Paddy’s Bridge towards the village, be resurfaced this year.

Fianna Fáil’s Una McCarthy is asking for a report on the number and locations of digital speed indicator signs in operation, with particular regard to their effectiveness and suitability, and that this report examine opportunities for relocation and the requirement for additional signs, particularly in areas of identified road safety concern.

Sinn Fein’s Eoghan Fahy asked that the MD write to Uisce Éireann requesting a “detailed response” as to why there were approximately more than six water outages in the upper Ardmore, Maulbaun, and Rochestown area in 2025, with two in December alone.

“Could we also be advised on the works that are being carried out or will be carried out to ensure this frequency does not continue in 2026 and beyond,” he asked.

Blue Monday: Walk and talk for mental health

Blue Monday is often called the “most depressing day of the year”.

The idea originated from a marketing campaign in the mid-2000s, by the Travel Industry, based on a non-scientific formula combining factors like weather, debt, motivation, and post-holiday blues.

While the formula itself isn’t evidence-based, the feelings many people experience at this time of year are very real.

Carrigaline-base mental healthcare clinic Smaointe CBT is inviting people to “get moving, connect and talk” next Monday, January 19, meeting at 1pm in the car park on the Crosshaven Walk.

Regular physical activity is associated with 20%–30% lower risk of depression and anxiety, and even 30 minutes of walking can boost mood through endorphins and stress reduction. Strong social connection is linked to better mental health, lower loneliness, and increased resilience.

“This walk is about community, conversation, and gentle movement, no pressure, no pace to keep, just showing up.,” said spokesperson.

“Let’s turn Blue Monday into something
brighter, together.”

For more details contact 086 848 7941.

In the clear

New Irish play by Carrigaline playwright

Never Going Back There is a new Irish play by Philip O’Byrne, director of Carrigaline-based Hunters Moon Theatre.

Based in the village of Kyletock in the west of Ireland, the play unshrouds the masks of religion, emigration, land, and the Magdalene laundries.

But it also demonstrates the resilience of two women to rise above what life, religion, and family can throw at them.

The play has toured over the past six months at The Inkwell Theatre, Minane Bridge; Ballymaloe Grainstore; Monkstown Golf Club; and Briery Gap, Macroom.

On Saturday, January 24, Hunters Moon will perform the play at the Everyman in Cork.

Their final performance of this tour will be on Friday, February 20 at The Marian Hall Ballinhassig.

Based on a true story, Never Going Back There will resonate with many generations of Irish people.

Carrigaline Pipe Band

Congratulations to two Carrigaline Pipe Band members who had great results at the CLASP competitions in Glasgow, Scotland last weekend.

Arthur Bass came 1st in Grade three, Strathspey and Reel; and Bobbie Curtin came 1st in Grade 2 in the 6/8 contest, well done.

New classes for beginners are due to start shortly. Enquiries to Paddy O’Connell 087 968 5833.

Quiz

The Carrigaline Men’s Shed will hold their sixth annual fundraising table quiz in the GAA Pavilion this Saturday at 7.30pm.

Teams are four €40, all are welcome. Enquiries Roger Morrissey 087 220 3547.

Tidy Towns

Carrigaline Tidy Towns continue the cleanup and litter picking mornings every Tuesday and Saturday.

New members continue to join up and it is heartening news to hear young transition year students from all three secondary schools interested and offering help. It is also wonderful the amount of work days Tidy Towns get from volunteers from local companies.

The Tidy Towns committee will meet on Monday night to review progress with the winter planting and plan for the spring and summer planting and other projects in the year ahead.

New members are always welcome, call to HQ in the Owenabue car park on Tuesday or Saturday morning or email carrigalinett@gmail.com.