Tom MacSweeney: Heritage group issues challenge to Cork County Council

Monkstown Heritage Group has issued a challenge to Cork County Council: ‘The implementation of the Monkstown Active Travel Link and Public Realm Enhancement Scheme cannot threaten the daily life of our historic maritime village.’

This is the latest development in the lengthy battle by villagers to stop the council removing ‘The Green Island’, the only green space in the village, a part of the community for over a century.

The group, as well as the village Tidy Towns Committee, Monkstown National School parents/teacher, and Monkstown Bay Sailing Club, have expressed disagreement and concern about the council plan.

The Heritage Group claims the original planning notice by the council ‘did not include any reference to the removal of the Green Island.’

This week the group has taken its ‘battle’ a step further – launching a public ‘Save the Green Island in Monkstown’ petition, alleging that the council ‘will destroy the heart of the village.’

Heritage is a core of community values, acknowledged by the county council itself.

In May it announced a ‘Cork County Heritage Strategy,’ calling on individuals, groups and organisations to get involved.

‘In County Cork heritage has defined and inspired us – a timeless tapestry that connects people and place and all else in between,’ said a council statement.

‘The Heritage Strategy will give a clear vision for this and will identify key objectives and themes to work towards. The heritage of County Cork can continue to grow in terms of protection, enjoyment and appreciation.”

In complete contrast, a Cork Harbour community is accusing it of destroying heritage.

‘We are not being listened to by the council,’ is the view amongst Monkstown’s community groups who have also raised the issue of safety.

‘Cork County Council has a vehicle-dominated mindset. It is creating a vehicle thoroughfare instead of protecting the village centre. The ‘island’ is central to safety and a protection for all villagers – elderly, young, schoolchildren, sailors using the adjacent Sand Quay. It requires traffic to slow through the village.’

Monkstown Bay Sailing Club has protested to the council that an assurance given that it would be consulted during the detailed planning design phase of the village has not been delivered on. MBSC commodore Ewen Barry has requested a meeting with council to discuss ‘safety concerns surrounding the interaction of motor vehicles and sailors.’

I have reached out to the council for over a year seeking an interview with planners about the issues, but have been refused. I also put this to the county mayor, but did not receive any response. This ‘battle’ highlights how the council relates to communities impacted by its plans and the need for good communication.

More About the RCYC Bombing

Readers have asked about the outcome of the arrest of the one man gardaí detained during the attempt to bomb the Royal Cork Yacht Club on Saturday, May 11, 1940, when it was based in Cobh. I featured the story in this column on May 20. A group of men left one of their number on watch at the club door when forcing their way in. Gardaí were fired upon, the rest of the group escaped, after placing a viable explosive device.

Historian Antoin O’Callaghan explains what happened to the arrested man.

“He was Michael Lucey from Blarney Street in the city, tried before the Special Criminal Court at Collins Barracks in Dublin. Gardaí told the court that Lucey and the other men travelled by taxi from Cork city, forcing the taximan at gunpoint to drive first to Carrigtwohill, where a package was collected, then bringing them to the yacht club at Cobh. As well as the landmine, it was revealed in court that a case was found near the window through which the men escaped. It held a number of sticks of gelignite. A revolver was also found.

“A garda told the court a document found on the accused was signed by a staff officer of an illegal organisation. Lucey did not give evidence. His barrister, PJ Nugent, referred to a statement made to gardaí that he was only with the others on a spin to Cobh and only at the club door because the others had sent him to ask for a Mrs Oliver.

“Prosecution said this was a complete fabrication. Neither the taxi driver nor Lucey identified any of the others involved. Lucey was convicted of conspiring with others to destroy with explosives the premises of the Royal Cork Yacht Club.

“He was sentenced to seven years penal servitude.”

Meanwhile the former head of the National Maritime College at Ringaskiddy, Paul Hegarty, has been appointed chief commercial officer of The Port of Cork Company. He will lead commercial for sustainable growth, trade expansion and energy transition.

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