May 16, 2024

Joined-Up Thinking – Joined-Up Towns

Artist's impression of a Clonakilty to Inchydoney boardwalk-style walkway and cycle path.

Active Travel – a phrase thrown around a lot in government policy in recent years – is essentially a catchy rebranding of the more colloquial phrase “getting up off your arse”. Walking and cycling are often promoted for being environmentally responsible, low-carbon modes of transport, and we are occasionally reminded of the health benefits that can be derived from these …

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March 7, 2024

Community Demands That Uisce Éireann Address 25-Year Environmental Disaster

An image of Barry O'Mahony, standing on Shannonvale Bridge, holding up a pint glass filled with sewage-contaminated water, gathered from the surface of Shannonvale Park. In the background is the River Argideen, and a section of its North bank is visible.

It has been known, since at least as far back as 1998, to Cork County Council, and their successor organisations responsible for Water Services, Irish Water, and Uisce Éireann, that untreated sewage has been escaping from a failed sewage treatment system into a public park in the village of Shannonvale, Clonakilty, County Cork. This area, which serves as the village’s …

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February 2, 2024

Progress Needed on Rosscarbery Playground

I spoke to the Southern Star this week about concerns that the redevelopment of Rosscarbery Playground could be seriously hindered by excessive red tape. At the heart of the issue is a lack of official clarity on the ownership of the ground on which the playground sits. A convoluted system of licences and permits is required, involving not only Cork …

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