December

Parents often ‘put up’ with domestic abuse

A domestic violence support volunteer reveals that domestic abuse inflicted upon a parent by a son or a daughter often goes unreported on Leeside. Speaking to the Cork Independent, Ann O’Mahony, coordinator of domestic violence support service Mná Feasa, explains that mothers find it much more difficult to report or take legal action against their child. “It's much harder to bar a son or a daughter, especially if they're in their teenage years. It's easier to get a safety order against your husband or your partner than it is for your son or daughter because they very often haven't anywhere to go and the mother instinct kicks in and you say, 'look, I'll put up with it',” says Ms O’Mahony. Mná Feasa offers a helpline, support groups and court accompaniment to victims of domestic violence.

Magic nights return to Cork city

Leesiders prepare to wrap up warm for an outdoor series of live music and entertainment as the return of Magic Nights By The Lee - A Winter Solstice is announced. Following the success of its first outing in 2020, the series showcases some of Cork’s finest music, comedy and drag performance talent for three nights in Fitzgerald’s Park. The series comes curtesy of Cork-based promoter The Good Room in association with Cork City Council. Performing artists include one of Ireland’s most talked about, chart topping pop acts True Tides, and the brilliantly talented drag queen Candy Warhol with the raucous Haus of Mockie Ah.

Spikings reported on Leeside

Gardaí confirm 13 reported drink spikings in Cork city in the space of six weeks. The concerning figure is revealed by Chief Superintendent Tom Myers at a Joint Policing Committee meeting Chief Superintendent Myers goes on to highlight that these figures represent only what has been reported to the gardaí and there may well be other cases going unreported. All 13 cases were reported since the October Bank Holiday. He explains the motive for such a crime can often be to carry out a sexual assault or rape.

Storm Barra arrives

Status red weather alerts are in place in Cork city and county as Storm Barra tears across the county leaving fallen trees, flooding, and electricity and water outages in its wake. The storm brings severe and damaging winds with a wind gust of 156km/h recorded at Fastnet Lighthouse and 113 km/h recorded on Sherkin Island. A truck is overturned by wind on the M8 near Fermoy. According to Cork County Council, the worst affected area in Cork on is Bantry, where 28 primarily commercial premises are flooded by high tide after 5.30am. Following the storm, both Cork City Council and Cork County Council go into clean-up mode as the full extent of the damage is assessed.

Munster fans hope for ROG and POC return

Munster Rugby prepares for big changes in the forthcoming season as reports surface that former Munster players Ronan O’Gara, Mike Prendergast and Paul O’Connell might be part of a new coaching ticket. The news follows the club’s announcement that Head Coach Johann van Graan will leave the province at the end of the 2021/2022 season. Senior Coach Stephen Larkham is also set to leave after he declined an extended contract offer in order to return to Australia with his family. This means there are at least two positions to be filled with Forwards Coach Graham Rowntree’s contract also set to run out in the summer.

Owenacurra families in limbo

The families of residents of the Owenacurra long-term mental health facility in Midleton are left anxious and uncertain as the fate of the centre remains unclear. Following a meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee, a family member tells the Cork Independent that families have been given little clarity around the closure and the future of their vulnerably loved ones. During the meeting, senior members of the HSE endure some tough questioning from TDs on why there will no longer be services available to people in east Cork once the centre closes. In June, the HSE suddenly announced plans to close the centre which is the only facility of its kind in east Cork. This decision will ultimately mean that all 19 residents, many of whom have lived at the centre for more than 20 years, will be relocated to another facility outside of east Cork.

Investment on track

The Government approves funding of €94.5 million to be spent on improving the Cork-Dublin train line. The works aim to cut journey times by eight-ten minutes. It will also futureproof the line to accommodate 200km/h speeds at a later stage. Most of the funding, €91.5 million, is to be spent on line improvements on the Cork-Dublin railway line. During the announcement, Minister for Transport, Eamonn Ryan says the Government made a clear commitment to public transport in the Programme for Government and that the improved Cork-Dublin train line will help Ireland to achieve its climate goals. The substantially increased funding is proposed for Iarnród Éireann and will be assigned to the existing Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) which provides the funding and governance oversight framework for the rail network and its infrastructure.

Design work begins on events centre

Final detail design plans for the events centre on South Main Street begin, nearly six years after the sod was turned on the 6,000 seater project. The news comes to light during a Cork City Council meeting after an update is requested by Independent Councillor Mick Finn. Cllr Finn is told by Ann Doherty, Chief Executive of Cork City Council, that Cork City Council has been advised that the Live Nation and BAM consortium has commenced final detailed design of the Cork events centre. Ms Doherty tells Cllr Finn that the design plans are set to be completed by the third quarter of 2022. Responding to Ms Doherty, Cllr Finn describes it as “great news” that it has advanced to the final design stage, calling it “a new starting point” for the long awaited development.

Say hello to Marina Park

The first phase of Cork’s newest park finally opens to the public. Called Marina Park, it sits 2.5 kilometres from the city centre and adjacent to the newly pedestrianised Marina. The first phase, which when fully completed, will be six times the size of Fitzgerald’s Park with an official opening ceremony set for 2022. Visitors to the park can look forward to green space for play and relaxation, water features, lighting, seating, new pathways, bridges and upgraded public parking near Shandon Boatclub. The next phase of Marina Park will include woodland, marshland, meadows and water. Public consultation on phase two is due to take place in spring 2022 with construction beginning the following autumn, subject to planning Meanwhile, it’s announced that work is also due to start next year on the upgrade of the nearby Marina which will help integrate Marina Park. Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Colm Kelleher said: “This is a fantastic new amenity for the people of the city and for visitors to our city. This park’s design is based upon accessibility for all ages and abilities.”