CORK COUNTY COUNCIL 1

My tenure as chair of Municipal District over the past year has been an interesting one. . Starting with the Boundary Transition in June 2019, which saw significant geographical changes made in the Municipal District, and ending as the county emerges from the turbulent impact of Covid-19.

Throughout the year, significant work was completed in the realms of recreation and amenity, road improvements, public realm improvements, pedestrian and cyclist facilities and enhancements to towns and villages across the Municipal District. As usual, our continued support was given to a range of community, voluntary and sporting groups, along with our Tidy Towns groups, in the form of Community funding.

Following from the successes of 2019, the unprecedented and unanticipated impact of Covid-19 affected the activities of County Council across the board, interrupting funding allocations and delaying works. However, I am delighted to say that as a local authority, we have adapted successfully to the challenges presented to us, supporting our communities through the Cork County Council Covid-19 Community Support Programme and our Community Support Hub structures. I was particularly pleased to chair the Project ACT (Activating County Towns) meetings for the Carrigaline and , tasked with supporting activities that will boost economic recovery, increase footfall, and facilitate social distancing to make our towns safer places for our elderly and vulnerable residents.

I have been proud to serve as chair of this Municipal District over the past year, and wish to thank my fellow committee members and Cork County Council staff whom I have worked closely with over the past year. Also, all of our excellent community groups who, with enormous pride of place, continue to work to make our Municipal District a great place to live and visit. I look forward to supporting the incoming chair and continuing to work to deliver improved public services, facilities, and public realm enhancements for the residents of Carrigaline Municipal District.

MESSAGE FROM CLLR SEAMUS MCGRATH, CAITHAOIRLEACH 2019/20 2 BOUNDARY ALTERATION

Following the local elections of June 2019 and the boundary change with Cork City Council, several of Corks Municipal Districts went through alterations. The change, which represented one of the largest local authority boundary alterations in several decades, with some 85,000 citizens along with a range of services transferring to the jurisdiction of Cork City Council as of May 31st 2019.

Cork County Council continues to be the second largest local authority in the state, with a population of 335,000 people.

Carrigaline Municipal District's boundary was changed significantly by the boundary alteration with the city. The Municipal District (formally -Carrigaline) saw significant urban areas including Ballincollig, Douglas and Rochestown enter the City Council jurisdiction. The area was in turn expanded to include the villages of , , Ballygarvan, and and their environs. The population of Carrigaline Municipal District is estimated at just over 35,000.

Thanks to the fantastic work of the boundary transition team at Cork County Council,, the process of the transfer of citizens and services and the changing of Municipal District boundaries had minimal impact. We look forward to working with our new communities in the Carrigaline Municipal District. 3

ELECTED MEMBERS

The following Councillors represent the Carrigaline Municipal District:

Cllr Seamus McGrath, Caithaoirleach, Fianna Fáil Cllr Audrey Buckley, Fianna Fáil Cllr Aidan Lombard, Fine Gael

Cllr Liam O'Connor, Fine Gael Cllr Marcia D'Alton, Independent Cllr Ben Dalton O'Sullivan, Independent

L-R: Cllrs Liam O'Connor, Marcia D'Alton, Seamus McGrath, Ben Dalton O'Sullivan, Aidan Lombard, Audrey Buckley 4 2019 ACTIVITIES RECREATION AND AMENITY

CARRIGALINE OUTDOOR GYM

Due to other items being acquired under budget as part of the Cork Harbour Greenway capital funding for signage and street furniture, Cork County Council had the opportunity to spend the surplus on the installation of some outdoor Calisthenics equipment for Carrigaline. The equipment was installed at the start of the Carrigaline to Crosshaven Greenway and provides an opportunity for people to engage in exercise outdoors. The works were completed in early 2019 at a cost of €29,500. 5

PASSAGE WEST PONTOON

Passage West benefited from funding under the Town and Village renewal scheme, including from the provision of a pontoon and public toilet/shower facilities, at a cost of approximately €85,000. The pontoon is accessible to a range of vessels, including canoes and kayaks, and it's proximity too and easy access from the village of Passage West ensures that the pontoon provides a valuable resource for both residents of and visitors to the village. Access to the pontoon is restricted and at the discretion of the Harbour Master, to ensure the health and safety of all users.

Poor weather conditions towards the end of 2019 had hampered efforts to complete the final infrastructural works to the pontoon. However these are expected to be completed shortly. 6

CARRIGALINE TO CROSSHAVEN WALKWAY

Earlier in 2019, an act of vandalism saw public lighting that had been installed on the Carrigigaline to Crosshaven Walkway rendered useless. This was extremely dissapointing as the walkway is a valuable resource to the community and public funds were invested to put in the lighting.

In September 2019, the elected members agreed to reinstate lighting along a section of the walkway. The installation was completed Free Gratis by a lighting contractor in 2019. 7 TOWN AND VILLAGE IMPROVEMENTS

RINGASKIDDY

Approximately €40,000 worth of works were carried out in Ringaskiddy as part of the 2019 Village Enhancement Scheme. The main works carried out as part of this were the improvement of the footpath at Priests Avenue, improvements to the footpath connection between Yarra and Gobby Beach and gateway signage and flashing school warning signs near Ringaskiddy national school.

In 2019 a number of meetings took place to progress plans for further Cork County Council funded village renewal works in Ringaskiddy and plans for the €1m Community Gain Fund arising out of the Port of Cork Planning Permission. Technical surveys have been carried out and MD staff are liaising with Council architects for progress enhancement plans, with further meetings and action planned for 2020.

It is also hoped that works will be completed on the Community Centre to improve energy efficiency, improve accessibility, and upgrade the flooring/kitchen in the centre, to improve what is already a valued resource in the community.

HALFWAY

On October 25th 2019, Council Officials met with Halfway residents on site to walk through proposed public realm enhancements. The proposed works are to provide for pedestrian connectivity from An Bruach Housing Estate, along the L231 adjoining the Garda Station, the Ramble Inn, Gleann Bui Housing Estate and will finish at the entrance to Casán Dóire Housing Estate. The initiatives were supported by the Halfway residents and a contractor started on site earlier this year.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS

In 2019, a number of road improvement programmes were carried out, including safety improvements on the Shannon Park Roundabout, and the Road Surfacing Programme. 8

TIDY TOWNS

Every year, our Tidy Towns groups go above and beyond to make our County towns and villages beautiful places to live, work and visit. Through our Community Contracts, Cork County Council supports the work of Carrigaline, Passage West and /Waterfall Tidy Towns, with €18,000, €9,500 and €7,000 and allocated to the groups in 2019 respectively.

Ballinora Tidy Towns worked to plant polinator friendly plants, following on from recommendations in the All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020. Funding also facilitated the removal and replacement of trees, addressing safety issues and replacing dangerous trees with pollinator friendly varieties. 9

Funding awarded to Carrigaline Tidy Towns facilitated the enhancement of public areas. This included the installation of signage, enhancement of the otter area at the Owenabue Bridge, planting of shrubbery beds in the People's Park, planting rasied edible and garden beds at the Community Complex, as well as funds for usual works including litter picking and general maintenance. Funds were also utilised for the completion of a biodiversity report with the SECAD Local Development Company. 10

Passage West Tidy Towns Group used funding awarded as part of the Community Contract for footpath cleaning, flower planting in the Beech Road area, organising a community competition for 'Best Garden', 'Best Shop Window' and other categories. Other works included the removal and replacement of trees where necessary, rehabilitation works at Fr O'Flynn park, and the ongoing costs of purchasing bedding plants, composts, weed killers, tools etc. Activities aim to encourage more active community involvement in making Passage West an attractive place to work and live.

As we navigate our way out of Covid-19, our Tidy Towns groups will be key in the plan to get our towns back up-and-running. Activities that make our towns and villages more attractive are more important than ever as we move forward to make our towns safer for doing business, shopping and socialising. 11 AMENITY GRANT SCHEME

The Amenity Fund Scheme is intended to support community groups, sporting and local organisations who wish to undertake projects or purchase equipment that directly benefits communities and meets particular needs. In 2019, the following awards were made in respect of this grant in the Carrigaline Municipal District Area: €1500 towards Carrigaline Musical Society, towards covering costs of costumes and medals;

€3400 to Ballinora and District Community Association towards signs and artwork for the Community

€6000 to Ballinora GAA Club for the replacement of goal posts and mouths

€1500 to the Broadale Residents Association for landscaping,

€8500 to Carrigaline Community Association for the installation of a floodgate and bathroom flooring

€3000 to the Carrigaline Community First Responders for works and items including a

telephone, kiosk, cabinet etc.

€6700 to the Mens Shed in Carrigaline for the decoration of a new steel 'superstructure'

€1500 to Herons Wood Residents Association for plants and shrubs to improve landscaping

€2600 for Passage West and Monkstown Responder Group, for the purchase of defibrilators,

pads, and batteries

Carrigaline Tidy Towns were also granted funding under the 2019 Amenity Grant for the installation of picnic benches, display units and signage. CAPITAL FUND SCHEME

This scheme, which is available for community groups, sporting and local organisations, is awarded for the purposes of undertaking infrastructural works that will improve the range or quality of facilities within the area. In 2019, the following allocations were made in respect of this fund: · €25000 was allocated to Passage West GAA Club for the purposes of developing an Astro Pitch, with associated fencing and lighting.

Enable Ireland was awarded €20000 for the purposes of tiling their pool

Monkstown Lawn and Tennis Club was awarded €11000 for the provision of floodlights

forthe club 12

CARRIGALINE TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC REALM ENHANCEMENT PLAN

In 2019, Cork County Council engaged in a competitive tendering process in order to work towards appointing a multi-disciplinary consulting services team to begin work on Carrigaline's Transportation and Public Realm Enhancement Plan (TPREP).

As Carrigaline continues to develop as one of Cork County's key metropolitan areas, with significant housing and commercial developments having taken place and planned for future years, a roadmap for the future development of the town is needed to ensure an integrated approach to traffic planning in Carrigaline.

It is hoped that a comprehensive and detailed plan will help to reduce traffic congestion in the town, sustain and enhance economic activity for the town centre, and generally make Carrigaline a more attractive place to live, work and visit.

The appointment of a consultant to the TPREP is expected in the near future. 13

PASSAGE WEST/KINGS ISLAND FRIENDSHIP AGREEMENT

The Passage West Maritime Museum marked an important moment over the summer, with the signing of the King’s Island friendship agreement. There is a historic connection between Kings Island and Cork, when the Neva sank of the coast of the island, carrying Irish convicts and passengers in 1835. A single remaining fragment of the ship is displayed in Kings Island Museum.

The visitors from King Island presented the Maritime Museum in Passage West with a sculpture by Tasmanian artist Catherine Stringer. The piece made with marine macro-algae, harvested near the site of the Neva wrecking, honours the women and children aboard the doomed ‘Neva’ and a copy of historical documents concerning the Neva from the King Island museum's collection. The chair of the Municipal District, signed the agreement.

The aim of the agreement is to foster and develop mutual understanding and to develop a cultural bond of respect and friendship between the people of Tasmania and the people of Cork for all time. 14 2020 ACTIVITIES RECREATION AND AMENITY

CARRIGALINE RUNNING TRACK In early 2020, the contract for the construction of a hybrid surface running track for Carrigaline Park was awarded. Work has commenced on the track, which will give runners and joggers a safe place to exercise, and is expected to be completed by the August Bank Holiday Weekend. The initial scope of this project has now been extended to include:

An additional 100 linear meters to link the public footpath from Church Road into Park and new running route.

An additional 50 linear meters to link to link the park’s car park to the skate park, following the

route of an existing desire line.

A formal path connection from the R612 to the park, following a rough desire line access

point.

6 additional benches and 4 picnic tables (some that are designed to accommodate

wheelchair/buggy users), to be located in the Park and at Kilnagleary near the outdoor gym

installed in 2019 15

2020 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ALLOCATIONS

COMMUNITY FUND SCHEME

Cork County Council has allocated over €180,000 in funding to a range of Community and Voluntary groups and sporting organisations in the Carrigaline Municipal District under its annual Community Fund Scheme. At a meeting of the Carrigaline Municipal District on Monday June 15th, members agreed the allocation of €184,998 to over 30 groups operating in communities across the Carrigaline Municipal District ranging from Tracton, Passage West, Monkstown, Halfway, Waterfall, Ballinhassig, Crosshaven, Carrigaline, , and Ballygarvan.

This funding will be used by sporting organisations, tidy towns groups, community and village associations and other voluntary groups to provide infrastructure and amenities for their local communities. In many cases the funding awarded to groups will be spent locally supporting local businesses and jobs through the purchase of plants and flowers, signage, sports equipment, and the procurement of minor capital works such as the in-stallation of flood lighting, landscaping, pitch drainage and clubhouse renovations.

MEMBERS DISCRETIONARY FUND

At the February 2020 meeting the Committee agreed to commit €3,600 towards establishing a Member’s Discretionary Fund to support community groups, individuals and local organisations in the Carrigaline Municipal District who wish to undertake a specific project, endeavour or initiative which does not fall within the scope of the Community Fund. 16

2020 ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMES

Following delays to the usual programme of works as a result of Covid-19, a number of programmes were agreed by members at the June meeting of the Municipal District. It is hoped that the vast majority of proposed works can be carried out this year under the 2020 Public Lighting Programme, the Public Footpath Programme, Restoration and Improvement Programme, the Surface Dressing Programme, and the Carrigaline Municipal District Drainage Programme.

MINANE BRIDGE ROAD MARKINGS

In March 2020, the long awaited new roadmarkings were instated on the L3210 at Minane Bridge, near Knocknamanagh School. These new enhanced markings will help to alert drivers to the proximity of the school, improving safety for the some 200 children in attendance here. 17 COVID-19

The unprecedented impact of Covid-19 on Cork County Councils activities has been immense. However, Cork County Council put forward a strong response to the Public Health Emergency through the establishment of a number of initiatives including the Community Support Programme, and Project ACT. COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAMME

Cork County Council Covid-19 Community Support Programme was established on 29th March 2020 to enable the co-ordination of a multi-agency response to the delivery of much needed services to vulnerable citizens across .

Stakeholders including An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive, Local Development Companies, Tusla Child and Family Agency, ALONE, the GAA, the Churches, An Post, the Department of Enterprise and Social Protection, Local Link Rural Transport, Scouting Ireland, The Red Cross, The Irish Farmers Association, Cork Volunteer Centre, and many others are working together with a range of statutory and voluntary organisations and the Older People’s Council and Age Friendly Alliance. 18

Cork County Council led and coordinated the response of all of these stakeholders to ensure that the needs of vulnerable people and older people are met across the towns, villages and communities of County Cork during the COVID-19 crisis. This is overseen by two high level steering groups: Cork County Council COVID-19 Community Support Programme - Response Forum. This is chaired by the CE of Cork County Council, Mr. Tim Lucey and both the Older People’s Council and the Age Friendly Alliance are represented on it.

Cork County Council COVID-19 Community Support Programme – Delivery Group. This is chaired by the Chair of Cork Age Friendly Alliance, Mr. Niall Healy and both the Older People’s Council and the Age Friendly Alliance are represented on it.

At operational level, 19 Community Support Hubs were established throughout the County. The Carrigaline Community Support Hub covers the entirety of the Carrigaline Municipal District and its membership comprises the Carrigaline MDO, the District Supervisor, Carrigaline library staff and representatives of key stakeholder agencies including An Garda, the HSE, Local Development Companies, An Post, Local Link, and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The Community & Voluntary Sector in the Carrigaline MD has also played a huge role in supporting communities and individuals throughout this crisis. Calls received via the Council’s Community Support Programme Helpline are actioned by the Community Support Hub team in conjunction with other stakeholders where necessary. 19 COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY SUPPORTS IN CARRIGALINE

TOn April 9th 2020, Minister of State for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring announced a €2.5 million fund to support community and voluntary groups involved in the delivery of Covid-19 community response efforts.

€116,277 of this funding was allocated to Cork County Council, of which €70,000 has already been awarded.

The fund was intended to support exceptional one-off costs incurred by groups locally, as a result of their response to the COVID-19 crisis, with priority assigned to applications from organisations involved in the front-line delivery of community response work.

In Carrigaline Municipal District, two deserving organisations were awarded funding in the first round of grants. These were the Carrigaline Family Resource Centre, providing resources to socially isolated families, and the Carrigaline Covid-19 Response Group, consisting of volunteers from the Carrigaline Community First Responders, the Carrigaline Lions Club, GAA Club, and Local Scouts group, who have done Trojan work in looking after the vulnerable in the community throughout the Covid-19 crisis.

This is not to forget other groups in the Carrigaline Municipal District who have worked tirelessly to support their community, this includes GAA clubs, Community Associations, and individual members of the community who have gone out of their way to help family, neighbours and friends. Many of these groups have been awarded a ceremonial scroll from the outgoing County Mayor, Cllr. Ian Doyle, to express gratitude to those who have gone above and beyond in the support of their community over the last number of months. 20

PROJECT ACT - ACTIVATING COUNTY TOWNS

Cork County Council’s Project ACT initiative includes Carrigaline and Passage West, Glenbrook & Monkstown as part of the Council’s primary focus on 23 towns across County Cork to benefit from a series of measures designed to give confidence to the business, retail and Community sectors through prioritised and targeted funding.

The Carrigaline Project ACT team comprises Council staff from Municipal Districts Operations, Roads, Tourism and the Local Enterprise Office alongside elected members, and representatives from An Garda Síochána, Carrigaline Tidy Towns, Carrigaline Business Association, Carrigaline Community Association, Carrigaline ‘My Town My Plan’ group and older people’s representatives. Since May 21st 2020, the team has met on 3 occasions and has embarked upon a town ‘walkabout’ to identify and agree measures to improve town presentation and layout to facilitate social distancing and to support businesses as they re-open with significant changes to their business operating models.

The Passage West, Glenbrook and Monkstown Project ACT team comprises Council Council staff from Municipal Districts Operations, Roads, Tourism and the Local Enterprise Office alongside elected members, and representatives from An Garda Síochána, Passage West Tidy Towns, Local business representatives, Monkstown Tidy Towns, and the Older People’s Council. Since May 21st 2020, the team has met twice and has embarked upon a town walkabout to identify and agree measures to improve town presentation and layout to facilitate social distancing and to support businesses as they re-open with significant changes to their business operating models 21 PROJECT ACT - TOWN DEVELOPMENT FUND

As part of work to be carried out under Project ACT, a sum of €87,370 has been allocated to Carrigaline Municipal District under this year’s Town Development Fund, to carry out works in Carrigaline, Passage West, Glenbrook and Monkstown.

It is anticipated that these works will help to boost the towns economic recovery post Covid-19, increase footfall from residents and visitors, and allow for social distancing, making towns safer and more attractive to visit. Cork County Council are also encouraging the public to ‘Shop Local’ and support their local economy.

PROJECT ACT - OUTDOOR SEATING LICENCES

Outdoor seating licences are being provided to businesses in Cork County on a no fee basis this year. This will allow more businesses such as restaurants and cafes to resume trading safely by increasing their seating capacity. 22 PROJECT ACT - SHOP FRONT IMPROVEMENT SCHEME

Cork County Council was delighted to announce the Shop Front Improvement Scheme 2020 for the main commercial areas within Carrigaline town, under Project ACT – Activating County Towns – part of the Councils response to the effects of the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency.

Eligible works are items that will enhance the exterior, street facing element of the building. They include external painting and signage replacement with “Heritage Type Signs”. Cork County Council encourages the use of Irish in signs and recommends that applicants incorporate Irish into their proposal. Cork County Council will also consider other minor improvement works.

PROJECT ACT - RESIDENTIAL PAINTING SCHEME

At the June meeting of the Carrigaline MD, the Residential Painting Scheme 2020 was announced for the main thoroughfares within Carrigaline town and Passage West, Glenbrook & Monkstown to offer every available support to town presentation under Cork County Council’s Project ACT initiative. 23 PROJECT ACT - TOWN AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME

Project ACT has provided for the assignment of dedicated Town Ambassadors in both Carrigaline and Passage West over the coming weeks as businesses re-open and more people begin to visit town centres. The roles of the Town Ambassadors includes giving direction and guidance when needed, helping with road crossings, and providing dog-fouling bags to dog-walkers where needed.

Town Ambassadors Richard Jordan (Carrigaline) and Nicola Howard (Passage West)