Call for more local amenities as new facilities for Avondale Utd unveiled in Beaumont

A call has been made for more investment into community amenities across Mahon and Blackrock following the opening of new facilities at Beaumont Park.

Green Party councillor for Cork city South East, Honore Kamegni, said while he welcomes the opening of the new facilities at the park in Ballintemple, there is a need for further investment across the ward as continued development across Cork city is placing a strain on existing amenities.

Mr Kamegni attended the official opening of the new park on Saturday, joined by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork councillor Gary O’Brien, fellow ward representative Fine Gael councillor Des Cahill, and Labour Party Senator Laura Harmon.

The development includes a new facility for Avondale United FC, which consists of four new dressing rooms, a dedicated referees’ room, unisex toilets, a storage room and a new spectators’ area, alongside the club’s clubhouse facilities.

Mr Kamegni said Beaumont Park is a fantastic addition to the Cork city South East ward and a great example of what can be achieved with investment in facilities that are genuinely rooted in the community.

“I want to congratulate the hardworking Avondale management team and everyone who has worked to make this facility possible,” said Mr Kamegni. 

“However, we also need to look at the bigger picture. Cork city is growing, and our investment in community infrastructure needs to grow with it.

“New housing and population growth must be accompanied by the parks, sports facilities, community centres, public spaces and other amenities that make neighbourhoods good places to live.

“Community facilities are not an optional extra,” he added. “They are an essential part of building healthy, connected and sustainable communities.”

Mr Kamegni said as further development of the city suburbs continues over the coming years. “We need to make sure that communities across the city benefit from investment, not just in housing and transport, but in the facilities and public spaces that people use every day”.

“Beaumont Park shows what is possible,” said Mr Kamegni.

“We want to see more projects like this right across the ward, with communities properly supported and given the facilities they need to thrive.”

Mr Kamegni said future planning must place community infrastructure at the heart of decisions, with a focus on where and how new development takes place.

“I will continue to push for a Cork where population growth means stronger communities, better public spaces and improved quality of life for everyone,” added Mr Kamgeni.