All About Cork: Apartment development planned for Douglas

Barry’s Field Ltd are seeking permission for a ‘Large-Scale Residential Development (LRD) located at Barry’s Field, Carrigaline Road and Churchyard Lane, Douglas, Cork’, close to Barry’s Bar and Restaurant.

The development plan seeks the the construction of 124 residential apartments (consisting of a mix of one, two and three bed units), a cafe and two office units, in a development ranging in height from one to five storeys.

It will also include all associated site development works including footpaths, car and bicycle parking, drainage, bicycle and bin stores, lighting, fencing, landscaping/amenity areas, ESB substation/switchroom and plant room.

Other site development works include two new uncontrolled pedestrian crossings and footpath improvements on Churchyard Lane which requires the removal of six of the existing on street car parking spaces.

The proposed development works include a connection and construction of a new storm water and foul sewer along Carrigaline Road.

Access to the site will be via a new vehicle access point and a new pedestrian connection from Carrigaline Road and two new pedestrian connections onto Churchyard Lane.

The new vehicular access requires the removal of four existing car spaces.

According to the application: “The subject proposal has been developed in accordance with prevailing policy contained within the Cork City Development Plan to contribute to the realisation of the housing and population targets for Douglas.

“The submitted documents demonstrate that the proposed development will result in the creation of a sustainable residential community, and we consider that the proposed development will provide for a much-needed range of housing options in Douglas.”

The application may be inspected online at the following website set up by the applicant: www.barrysfieldlrd.com and it is hoped a decision will be made on the plan in the near future.

Cllr McCarthy calls for public lighting at Japanese Gardens

Former Lord Mayor and Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy has called for further public lighting at the Japanese Gardens in Ballinlough, across from Douglas swimming pool.

The popular park is daily frequented at all times of the day by walkers and joggers.

Cllr McCarthy noted: “I have been contacted by several locals asking about the provision of public lighting especially during the dark winter evenings, where people wish to go for a walk after work in a safe environment.

“I am also conscious of the biodiversity of the park. I am for parkland to work with nature as much as possible, which is why it was great to have the insight of the council’s parks department on the lighting proposal.”

The response to Cllr McCarthy from the City Council’s Park Department outlined that as a pre-requisite to the consideration of any proposal to provide public lighting, a bat survey will be required to ascertain if bats are roosting in the area and how they use the park for foraging. Currently, the Ballinlough Tidy Towns Committee is in the process of producing a Biodiversity Action Plan for the parks and other green areas in Ballinlough.

A bat survey is being undertaken as part of this process and is likely to have implications for any public lighting design for the area.

“Once this report has been completed and reviewed a suitable design can be drawn up and costed in conjunction with the Council’s Lighting Department.

“Finances will then need to be sourced, as there is no provision for this proposal in the 2025 budget.

“I will be following up with the Parks Department again once the bat surveys are surveyed,” concluded Cllr McCarthy.

GAA club now accepting membership fees for season

Douglas GAA Club are now accepting membership fees for 2025.

In a statement to members, and potential members, they said: “We would encourage members to register as soon as possible. For GAA members who are back in pre-season it should be noted that you are not currently covered by the Player Injury Fund unless you are registered for 2025.

“Generally no changes in rates this year as announced at the AGM.”

The best way to register is to download the Clubforce Connect app and follow Douglas GAA.

Android: https://eclv.ie/Club1 IOS: https://eclv.ie/Club2

Further details are available on their website.

“The downloads section of our website has a wealth of coaching resources categorised general, hurling/camogie and football. See: https://douglasgaa.com/downloads/

“Our underage hurling development officer (DJ) has uploaded a number of excellent ball wall videos and on the football side all you need to know about the new rules is also there.”

Writers group meeting

The Ballinlough Writers Group will meet at the Ballinlough Community Centre on Friday, February 21, from 5.30pm.

A spokesperson said: “If you are new to this please note The Ballinlough Writers Group meet on the third Friday of every month and it’s open to all people, including beginners, and anyone interested in writing.

“So even if you’re only half interested please come along and check us out. We look forward to meeting you.”

Enquiries to Ronnie on 087 1672715.

City Division book

Seandun, City Division GAA Board, based at Ballinlough, is currently putting together an updated history of the division to coincide with the founding of the division in 1925.

It is planned to have the history book available to coincide with the centenary of the division later in the year.

Each club is asked to contribute the following for inclusion in the history book: A brief history of the club to include when founded, present location; first committee members, pitch(s) and name of same, and City championship honours won at (minor level up to 2010) and for U21, Junior A, B, C in football and hurling to date within Seandun only.

Also they are asked to provide a maximum of three photographs.

They can be winning teams, committees or whatever the club wants to include in the book.

Others who may have material of interest can also contact the email address below.

Please send information to seandunbook@gmail.com

Have Douglas news to share? Contact rory.noonan@theecho.ie