NORTHSIDERS who remember a time when Blackpool was a bustling hub are lamenting the continued closure of local businesses, arguing that the village is turning into “a ghost town.”
Reacting to news of the closure this week of the Food Capers restaurant on Thomas Davis Street, readers on the Evening Echo Facebook page reminisced about a time when the area was a thriving social centre.
“Blackpool used to have it all one time,” Ken O’Driscoll said.
“A bingo hall, a good few pubs such as Desmond’s and The Fiddlers Green, Grime Busters Laundrette, Blackpool Video, Monica’s, the pound shop, baby shop, post office, Bank of Ireland.
“All of this and more was in that village at one time, now it is fast becoming a ghost town.”
Pictured outside derelict buildings are Tony McCarthy, Blackpool Traders, Mick Moriarty, Blackpool Action Group, Cllr Thomas Gould, Bill Dunlea, Chairman Blackpool Community Association and Noel O’Halloran, Blackpool Action Group, on Thomas Davis Street, Blackpool, Cork.
Picture: Jim Coughlan.
Jim O’Mahony grew up in Blackpool and said that “it was a great place to grow up but developers tore the heart out of it when they built the shopping centre and that main road to Limerick.
“It was almost as if the community didn’t exist. It’s unrecognisable now. Such a shame.”
Paul O’Regan said that he was shocked to walk through Blackpool in September and see “most places closed.”
“I remember growing up around Blackpool and loads of pubs were open and very popular with the bowlers. Best pub was the Watercourse Inn and The Tourist before that.
“That was in the early 80s and now hardly nothing is open.”
Cork City Council say it is working on a number of initiatives to regenerate Blackpool with Senior Engineer Seamus Coghlan confirming that the local authority is taking the issue seriously.
“Cork City Council are always concerned about the closure of any business in any part of the city and respond with initiatives in to mitigate the causes where possible through regeneration and improvement programmes subject to available funding,” Mr Coghlan said.
Mr Coghlan said, that “there are a number of initiatives proposed in the Blackpool area.
“The Council has been instrumental in the refurbishment of the former Lido cinema in the heart of Blackpool village to be shortly occupied by the Cork Community Art Link.
“The Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme is being advanced by Cork City Council in advance of the main Flood relief scheme with a view to protecting Blackpool businesses. This public consultation process will be commence soon.”
A number of regenerative housing schemes are also in the works.
“Contracts will be signed by Respond! Housing Association shortly for a regenerative Housing scheme at Dublin Street under the Capital Assistance Scheme.
“Cork City Council are also negotiating with Respond! and other property owners to refurbish elements of Thomas Davis St to the south of the overpass.”
It is also expected that planning will be applied for later this year for a residential and commercial development on the site of the former Blackpool flats.