‘People of Blackpool have had enough’

A public meeting of local residents voted unanimously that Cork City Council is “failing Blackpool”.

The meeting took place on Monday in Blackpool Community Centre where residents gathered to discuss various issues facing the area.

Issues such as dereliction and vacancy took centre stage at the meeting, as well as the loss of services and amenities.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould called on Cork City Council to put a stop to this. “What we saw tonight is that the community in Blackpool are sick and tired of poor decisions by Cork City Council. We have seen the loss of doctors, a dentist, a physiotherapist, hairdressers, a gym, and a mental health hub. It must stop now.”

From the meeting, a community action group was formed which is now calling for a sit down with the council’s chief executive and planners to discuss the concerns of the residents.

Deputy Gould continued: “The meeting heard from residents who spoke clearly at their frustration, they feel Blackpool is being forgotten by Cork City Council and that dereliction and vacancy are taking over the village.

“There was a clear mandate from the meeting – the people of Blackpool have had enough, they want action.

“There are plenty of derelict and vacant sites in the village that would be perfect for housing. But housing must be accompanied by services, not result in the loss of services,” he added.

Cork City Council was asked to respond but nothing was received at the time of going to print.