I see this year’s annual golf classic is in Douglas Golf Club on Friday 9th July next. As I am fairly new to the world of golf (I have the bag, clubs and jacket) I am tentatively pencilling myself in with three super golfers to make up for my total lack of expertise! Namely my son and brothers! The teams cost 200 euros and is for a great cause as the fundraising activities are more precious now more than ever. I urge all to try and support.

Ballygarvan School boost

The long running campaign for a new primary school in Ballygarvan received a boost when a proposal from Cllr Deirdre Forde formally recommended disposal of 0.245 acres if land to Cork Diocesan Trustees. This land is required as part of the process to develop a new school, as the number of pupils has risen from 145 to 265 in the past decade and space is limited. Cllr Forde who has two nephews attending the school, said disposal was of immense importance.

Crosshaven
Cork County council are preparing a tourism strategy document, covering an area from Kinsale to Youghal. Crosshaven and the harbour are central to this. The provision of an integrated tourist product including development of the forts for access to the public along with the marketing of this facility will be central to the growth of Crosshaven. The increase in the population of Crosshaven, its proximity to Cork city and with the planned reintroduction of the Cork–Swansea ferry would given this area a huge economic boost.

Carrigaline Citizens Information Centre

The Carrigaline Citizens Information Centre is situated in the portacabin in the Owenabue Car Park on the Main Street of Carrigaline. The information centre is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 1.30pm and the telephone number for enquiries is 021 4376793.
This is a free confidential information advice and advocacy service.

Ringaskiddy still waiting for traffic calming

€10,000 has been allocated for traffic calming 3 years ago but there is no allocation from the National Roads Authority for 2009. A lot of industrial traffic uses the road and the main road through Ringaskiddy is wide and difficult to cross. With plans for a playground, traffic calming is needed in the area more than ever.

N28 Project

Following the decision by government to postpone the upgrade of the Cork to Ringaskiddy road, in favour of the major inter-urban routes, this project has slipped further down the scale. The decision has huge consequences for the entire region and in particular for the future viability for Cork Harbour and the industries based there.

Road in Passage Estate

The roads serving St Marys and St Josephs Terraces in Rockenham, are in dire need of resurfacing. The pedestrian crossing is also in need of upgrading with more markings and signs as it is a hazard. The matters have been referred to the Area Engineer for investigation.

Derelict property on Rochestown Road

Cllr Forde welcomed the action by Council to make secure a derelict property in a prominent position on Rochestown Road.

Home Energy Saving scheme

I am pleased to inform you that the scheme is now open for Homeowner applications. Full details about the scheme, including the application form may be found on the website at www.sei.ie/hes. You can also apply online.

Graffiti – immediate removal is the only solution

“Concerned people and community groups are desperate to help themselves but often do not know what they can do and how easy it can be. I worked with residents groups in the past doing graffiti clean ups and they were very successful and additionally they actually built community spirit too” Tom Solan, client services manager Safe Graffiti Removal Ltd, a former Graffiti Officer with London Borough Council, LBC.

The solution is DIY Graffiti Removal by the provision of graffiti removal kits. This acknowledges the fact that the Council, although supportive of community efforts, cannot do everything. The way forward is encouraging local interest groups to take ownership in the community.

Some prevention methods that help deter graffiti vandals from using walls:

Attractive To Vandals Not So Attractive To Vandals
Smooth Surface Rough Surface
Light-Coloured Surface Dark-Colored
Regular paint Anti-graffiti shield
Patched and dirty Clean and freshly painted surfaces

Tips to make it harder for vandals to get close enough to your walls to write on them:

Use Clinging plants such as ivy, on vulnerable walls. This breaks up the writing space and makes it harder for the paint to reach the wall.
Plant bushes in front of walls (make sure no windows or doors are too close!). This will make it harder for vandals to get close to the wall.
Erect fences between your business and public property. This helps people know where the boundaries are, and also makes it harder for graffiti vandals to get close enough to your wallsResearch has shown that the most effective way to prevent graffiti is prompt removal.

Studies show that removal within 24 to 48 hours result in a nearly zero rate of re-occurrence.

Safe Graffiti Removal is presently supplying graffiti removal kits to county council, local authorities, residents associations, schools. For further information, go to www.safegraffitiremoval.ie