Tensions still high in Ballyvolane

“Things are tense. There’s been a shooting, a brawl, and no arrests, but people are expected to go back to their everyday lives.”

Cork City councillor and Ballyvolane resident John Maher (Labour) said that tensions remain in the area following a weekend of unrest, but that he is committed to working with all stakeholders to find solutions for residents there. Gardaí – including the garda helicopter and armed response units - were called to multiple public disturbances in Ballyvolane over the weekend, including a shooting which saw two men injured.

In a statement, a garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí and emergency services responded to reports of a discharge of a firearm at a location on Ballyvolane Road, Cork city on Sunday afternoon, 23 August.

“Two males are receiving hospital treatment for injuries believed to be non-threatening.

“Separately, gardaí responded to reports of a public order incident involving a group of individuals near Ballyvolane Road, Cork city, on Saturday 22 August, at approximately 3.30pm. Upon their arrival, those involved dispersed from the scene.

“Investigations into both incidents are ongoing,” they said.

Multiple videos have been shared across social media showing fights between groups of men at the Spring Lane halting site in Ballyvolane.

The two groups can be seen throwing missiles at each other, while also using scythes to attack each other over a closed chest-high gate.

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In response to the violence, Cllr Maher has called for an emergency meeting of Cork City council. However, he said that he is respecting a request from the Lord Mayor Cllr Damien Boylan that he be given time to address the issue with Cork City Council and other stakeholders before any meeting is called.

Cllr Maher said that it is vital that all stakeholders be in attendance.

“There’s no point having a meeting on Monday if a number of major stakeholders can’t make it, we don’t need the theatre of that.

“I’m respecting the lord mayor and his request that we give things some time, and I’ll continue to work behind the scenes for the people in Ballyvolane,” he said.

In a statement, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Damien Boylan said that he is “acutely aware” of the concerns in Ballyvolane.

He said that the city council is actively liaising with relevant authorities.

“While the city council remains committed to delivering the housing regeneration project on the halting site, with tender documents due to be published in the coming weeks, it must be said that tackling criminal activity is a matter for An Garda Síochána and will not be addressed through housing policy or by providing new homes,” he said.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.