Writes Ciaran Dineen
It was announced this week that funding has been secured by Cork County Council for the purchase of a ‘festival canopy’ that can be used for public events in the Carrigaline Community Park.
At the last meeting of the Carrigaline Municipal District (MD) in September, Councillor Seámus McGrath (FF) queried whether the Council had made any progress on a suggestion made by Carrigaline Community Association Chairperson, Michael Wall, on procuring a cover that could be placed in the centre circle of the community park, creating the opportunity to host outdoor events.
That contribution made by Mr Wall had been suggested during the summer meetings of the Project ACT committee, which saw a number of groups across Carrigaline take part in a consultation process as Cork County Council looked to support large towns in response to Covid-19.
At the September meeting of the MD, Cllr McGrath reiterated the calls made during the Project ACT deliberations, noting that in its current form the community park is an “under-utilised area” but that it has a massive “potential for community-based activities and outdoor performances”.
The response from the Council was a positive one, with MD Officer Noelle Desmond indicating that the corporation were seeking funding for a covered bandstand, acknowledging that it would be a brilliant asset for Carrigaline to have. Senior Executive Officer, Nicola Radley, informed Councillors that the request for funding had been made through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, going on to say that the District made a very strong case in favour.
Pic: Bandstand area in Carrigaline Community Park
Ahead of next week’s meeting of the MD, Councillor Liam O’Connor (FG), delivered the positive news that funding for the canopy had been secured for the “exciting project”, with more details on it to be announced soon. What is known so far is that €36,000 has been granted through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for the project, which also includes monies for an awning to be attached to the Community Complex.
The allocation was also welcomed by Cllr McGrath, adding that the canopy could allow the area to be “used for multiple local community activities from markets to outdoor performances.”
Carrigaline Community Association (CCA) Chairperson, Michael Wall, was equally thrilled to hear that his proposal from Project ACT had been taken on by the Council and that it had now received full backing and funding.
Speaking to The Carrigdhoun, the Carrigcourt resident said, “I as a Chair of the Carrigaline Community Association made an application to Cork County Council while representing the Association at the Project ACT gatherings for a canopy which could cover the bandstand area in the Community Park. I think the area which is underutilised at the moment could be a great place for festivals and markets. I think it would be a wonderful amenity for the community to have and I’m delighted to hear that the application has been successful.”
He also clarified that the funding received for an awning will be used to attach a covering on the Community Complex in order to provide shelter for anyone queuing or waiting in the area for different related activities.
It’s been a good month for the Community Assocation and many other local groups with lots of grants recently awarded from the Community Enhancement Scheme. The CCA were allocated just shy of €10,000, while the Ballygarvan Community Association received €8,000 to go towards tarmacking their car park. Smaller funds were awarded to a host of other community groups such as; Passage West Soccer Club, Ballygarvan GAA, Templebreedy SoS and Ringaskiddy Tidy Towns.