Residents of both Ringaskiddy and Passage West have seen new infrastructural developments come to fruition recently with the official opening of the new playground in Ringaskiddy and the new pontoon due to open in Passage West following years of campaigning. Writes Jack White
Former Cork Senior Hurler Donal Og Cusack opened the Ringaskiddy playground last weekend along with the Chairman of the Ringaskiddy Playground Group Sean Forde. The need for a playground was highlighted as far back as 1997 and it’s completion brings a welcome addition to the village. Passage West and Monkstown have received a welcome boost also as the new pontoon is near completion. The installation of the pontoon at Railway Quay, Passage West, will be of benefit to river users as well as offering an attraction for visitors and tourists and may even bolster employment opportunities in the area. Over five years of work has gone into the pontoon project which has seen the Passage to Monkstown River Users Association engage with Cork County Council officials & engineers, the Port of Cork, Passage West Town Council, Local TD’s, Councillors and Industries based in the Lower Harbour on numerous occasions. Chairman of the Passage to Monkstown River Users Association Jim Murphy said, “The provision of this magnificent Pontoon can also herald a new opportunity to showcase our proud Maritime Heritage and tap in to the huge potential of Heritage Tourism to generate investment and employment in this area”.