All About Cork: Objection for casino plans in Ballincollig

Autism classes for local school raised in the Dáil

The provision of classes for pupils with autism at a local primary school has been raised in the Dáil.

The matter was highlighted by three TDs who hope to represent Ballincollig after the next general election, when the area will be absorbed into Cork North Central.

Classes for children with autism at Scoil Eoin in Ballincollig were raised as a topical issue in the Dáil last week by three Cork North Central TDs, Sinn Féin’s Thomas Gould, Solidarty-People Before Profit’s Mick Barry, and Fianna Fáil’s Pádraig O’Sullivan.

Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Gould said Scoil Eoin had been trying to secure Department of Education funding for ASD (autism spectrum disorder) classes since 2013, but, he claimed, had been blocked at every opportunity.

“The lack of ASD classes in Ballincollig means that children are being forced to travel all over the city and county to areas like Kinsale, Bandon and Ballinhassig and more, just to get a decent education.”

Mr Gould called on Education Minister Norma Foley to visit Scoil Eoin and provide funding for ASD classes.

Responding, Mr O’Sullivan said he had spoken with the minister and she had committed to meeting with Scoil Eoin’s principal and board of management in the coming weeks.

“This is very welcome, because historically Ballincollig has had a deficit in the number of ASD classes that have been provided in the area, and I think that if we can progress the Scoil Eoin project, it will go some way to addressing the shortfall in ASD classes that exists in the area,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Welcoming news of Ms Foley’s planned meeting with Scoil Eoin’s principal, Mr Barry warned she shouldn’t arrive with empty pockets.

She needs to come to that meeting with some firm proposals for real progress here.

Lynch objects to casino plans

A local election candidate has lodged an objection against a proposed casino in Ballincollig, saying he believes there were “no discernible community benefits” to such a development.

Plans were submitted last month by Coalquay Leisure Limited to Cork City Council, seeking permission for a “gaming/amusement arcade” at a vacant commercial premises at unit four, Westside Retail Park.

The cover letter of the change-of-use application states: “Our clients are experienced operators of gaming/amusement arcades around the country, with ‘Goldrush Casinos’ established in Cork, Dublin, and various town centres” and the application contends that the development would not give rise to any negative impacts on the amenities of residents in the area.

Joe Lynch, Sinn Féin candidate in Cork City South West, told The Echo there should be no red carpet rolled out for the proposed development.

A decision is due by June 6.

Curraheen cycling event

The annual Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams Cycle takes place on Sunday, June 9.

This year there are three distances available to those who take part in the cycle: 21km, which has an entry fee of €21; 50km, which has an entry fee of €35 and 100km, which has a fee of €45.

Registration for the cycle is available through Eventbrite, and the event starts and ends at the Cork Down Syndrome Field of Dreams on the Clash Road in Curraheen.

Participants will be invited to in a pit-stop in Ballinspittle, and afterwards for refreshments at the Field of Dreams.

Down Syndrome Cork has asked that their ers share news of the cycle with all of their friends and cycling clubs.

Art therapy classes to begin at Family Centre

Art psychotherapist Patrick Byrne will begin a series of art therapy classes for men in Ballincollig Family Centre on May 21.

The weekly sessions, which will run over six weeks, are described as providing a safe space for men to open up.

“You don’t have to be a painter to the group,” Mr Byrne told The Echo.

The art will be symbolic. If you think about it, all our memories are in picture form. So you can draw your emotions, taking them out of you so you can look at them. I will be gently guiding the men to do this.

For more information, call 021 4876295.

Pyke Theatre Group to hold its annual mass

Ballincollig's Pyke Theatre Group will hold its annual mass for deceased , relatives, families and friends at 7.30pm on Tuesday, May 14 in Ballincollig Rugby Club in Tanner Park.

The Mass will be followed by the theatre group’s usual scriacht, which will in turn be followed by teas and coffees, sandwiches, and a raffle.

All are welcome for what will be the Pyke Theatre Group’s last scriacht until September.

A night of music, song and dance is promised by group chair Jimmy Healy.

Drop in for afternoon tea

The Ballincollig Active Retirement Association drop-in centre is open for afternoon tea from 2pm to 4pm every Monday afternoon.

All seniors are invited, whether they are of the association or not.

The organisers say everyone is welcome to drop in for a cuppa and a chat, and there is no charge.

The social centre is located in the Ballincollig Family Resource Centre on the Station Road. For further information, phone 083 8608324.

Crochet Club meeting

The Ballincollig Crochet Club meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm in the Tesco Community Room.

Sessions usually run until around 8.30pm.

The message on the club’s Facebook page is: “Time to get out of the house and meet others that like to crochet or knit”.

Ballincollig GAA Club weekly lottery results

The numbers drawn in the weekly Ballincollig GAA Club lottery on Thursday, May 2, were: 14, 18, 27, and 36.

With a lottery jackpot of €20,000, there was no jackpot winner drawn last week, and consolation prizes went to Catherine Buckley (€100), Brian Cahalane (€50), and V Dennehy (€50). The next draw will take place this week, on Thursday, May 9.