Grange ‘deserves world-class public space’

A site in Grange could be set to become a “world-class” public space.

Sinn Féin Cllr Eoghan Jeffers is campaigning for what is known locally as ‘Donkey’s Field’ on the Grange Road to be developed as a public amenity, saying the area has been “left down” in terms of public spaces.

Cllr Jeffers proposed a motion at Monday’s Ballincollig-Carrigaline Municipal District meeting asking members to support the use of some of the site for development as a play area or outdoor gym facility.

“Grange and Frankfield, for such a large community, has been lacking in public facilities for a very long time,” he told the Cork Independent.

“For the size of its population, it deserves some sort of play area or outdoor gym equipment that you see in many other communities. It has been left down, and this needs to be rectified.”

‘Donkey’s Field’ already forms part of a multi-million local authority plan for a walkway linking the Grange Road with Tramore Valley Park, but Cllr Jeffers wants some of the land to be kept separate and developed for public use.

Responding to Monday’s motion, Municipal District Officer Kevin O’Regan agreed that the remainder of the land not included in the current planning application for the walkway “would be suitable for some form of public amenity that would complement the overall project”.

He cited the exercise equipment installed at Harty’s Quay, adding that such an amenity could also provide a form of “passive surveillance” by members of the public.

“While it’s nothing concrete, it’s the most significant step we’ve had as a community so far,” Cllr Jeffers added.

“We could have a world-class facility at the walkway entrance. Every community deserves a focal point, and this could be it.”