Council to install barriers at entrance to Glenamoy Park 'on pilot basis'

Cork City Council is going to pilot barriers at the entrance to Glenamoy Park to prevent access for scramblers and wheelie bins set on fire.

Workers Party councillor Jerrica Struthers requested at the most recent local area committee meeting for the council’s north east ward that high-visibility, K-frame barriers are installed on the public steps by the park's playground.

[/url]She said: “These steps are a major walking route connecting Glenamoy Lawn/Árd Bhaile to Glencree Crescent, Gweedore Avenue, Liffey Park, and Annalee Grove.

“Barriers are urgently needed to stop scramblers and mopeds from using the steps as a dangerous shortcut, and to prevent wheelie bins from being wheeled down and set on fire near local homes.

“Because a standard gate or open gap is wide enough to let a wheelie bin through, a tight-angled K-frame design is required. This specific shape allows walkers, prams, and strollers to weave through easily, while completely blocking motorised vehicles and large bins.” 

A spokesperson for council management said: “Cork City Council will install one K-barrier type system, or a similar barrier solution, at the top of the steps in Glenamoy Park on a pilot basis.

“The purpose of the pilot is to assess the effectiveness of such barriers in deterring scrambler motorcycles from accessing green spaces in the area.

“Should the pilot prove successful, consideration will be given to the installation of a permanent barrier at this location.” 

Last October, council tenants in Glenamoy Lawn and Árdbhaile, which consist of 262 homes, voted to accept a plan to upgrade their homes.

The first phase would see 36 homes upgraded to a B2 or higher level of energy efficiency, with an average budget of €34,000 per apartment, and a maximum of €42,350.

The council said at the time that an airtight-ness test will be carried out on each apartment prior to and on completion of the works, with an aim of rolling out the pilot to all apartments if successful.

However, a council management spokesperson said at the most recent local area committee meeting: “The energy efficiency assessment of the initial 36 properties at Glenamoy Lawn and Ardbhaile has been completed.

“The design for energy efficiency upgrade measures includes installation of air to water heat pumps, warm roofs, triple glazed windows, airtightness, ventilation, and some drylining measures.

“Tenders have been received and are currently being assessed. As the tendered sums are well above the amounts that are available through department grants, Cork City Council is presently considering how the shortfall might be addressed.” 

They added that both existing boiler houses have now been cleared and substantial works are ongoing with regard to the green spaces in the estates.