AN anti-social behaviour black spot in one of Cork’s most historic areas is to be transformed into a community amenity.
Cork City Council has revealed ambitious plans to transform the Quarry area on the Ballyhooley Road from St Luke’s Cross towards Dillon’s Cross. The disused quarry in St Luke’s Cross has become notorious in recent years with locals tormented by anti-social behaviour, illegal dumping and drug use.
A public meeting will take place on Monday night in the Ambassador Hotel at 7.30pm to discuss proposals to make the area a community amenity asset to be proud of while removing the trouble it has attracted in recent years.
Gardaí have frequently been called to the area at night in recent years to tackle public order offences, while needles have been found in the disused quarry. Residents have spoken of being intimidated as they walked past while some have reported being assaulted during both night and day.
Director of Services at Cork City Council, Pat Ledwidge, will be among the City Council officials to listen to the views of the community at the Ambassador Hotel. The quarry is a green area with potential to be a community asset.
City councillor Joe Kavanagh, who has long campaigned for the area to be transformed, said the public meeting was the perfect chance for the community to have their say into what was potentially a wonderful asset for the area.
Cllr Joe Kavanagh in the former quarry, off the Ballyhooly Road, near St Luke’s Cross. The waste ground is overgrown and a site for illegal dumping and anti-social behaviour. Pic by Larry Cummins.
“The anti-social behaviour that has blighted the quarry and crept into other areas of St Luke’s Cross will hopefully be minimised or even eradicated by this plan. It has been a real headache for residents, who are some of the best community people you will find anywhere. They take such pride in their community, which is historically one of Cork’s richest, and they deserve this new facility. These plans of the city council will regenerate the quarry and make it into a top-class public amenity.”
Cllr Kavanagh urged people to attend the meeting to let city council officials know exactly what they wanted to see.
“There has been a number of suggestions for the quarry and it is vital that residents have their input. I am absolutely delighted to see local people being gauged for their opinions on the process. It is unlike other developments in the northside of the city where people don’t have a say so I would urge people to use the opportunity to have their voices heard directly.”