Public toilets ‘imperative’ for Cork town, says councillor

The next monthly meeting of Cork County Council’s Carrigaline municipal district committee will take place next Monday at 2.15pm in County Hall.

A number of motions proposed by councillors will be up for discussion at the meeting, addressing a variety of issues including road upgrades, traffic management, tourism, and playground facilities.

Among Fine Gael councillor Jack White’s motions is a request seeking a detailed update on the progress of the Carrigaline urban realm plan.

Awarded Part 8 planning approval in 2023, the plan makes provision for a new town square and riverfront public realm along the Owenabue River, a new public pavilion for performances and gatherings, as well as soft landscaping and a riverside walk.

In one of his motions, Independent councillor Ben Dalton O’Sullivan is requesting that rehabilitation works be undertaken on the Five Mile Bridge, pointing out that the structure is in poor condition following a car crash a number of years ago.

Fianna Fáil’s Patrick O’Donovan will ask that the district write to the minister for transport requesting that Carrigaline town be used as a pilot scheme for an orbital bus route serving local schools. He will also request that the zebra crossing outside the soccer club in Carrigaline is upgraded to a raised crossing.

Speed calming measures

Sinn Féin’s Eoin Fahy will ask that the local authority look at installing speed calming measures at the Fr Collins Centre, Passage West, through the low-cost safety improvement scheme or identify another stream of funding. He also wants to see the council engaging residents of The Highlands, Passage West, in relation to the introduction of speed calming measures in the estate.

In one of her motions Fianna Fáil’s Audrey Buckley will request that the MD invite the Camden Fort Meagher team to attend their meetings twice a year, before and after the summer season, to provide updates on Fort Camden Meagher, including current developments and expected opening timelines.

Ms Buckley will also seek an update on funding and arrangements for the installation of outdoor public toilets in the Carrigaline district for the upcoming summer months.

“With increasing numbers of visitors using our scenic walks, greenways, and local amenities, it is imperative that outdoor public facilities are available as a necessity to support both tourism and community enjoyment,” reads her motion.

Fine Gael’s Una McCarthy will seek an update on plans to resurface the L6472 in Carrigaline, a timeline for when the road will be closed as a through route and converted into a cul-de sac, and arrangements that will be put in place to manage local traffic and minimise disruption for residents during these works. She will also request that Main St , Passage West be included in the resurfacing programme.