Latest news with #Ballincollig
BreakingNews.ie
28-05-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Housing crisis: Planners reject 120 new apartments over lack of three-bed units
Plans for over 120 new apartments in the Cork suburb of Ballincollig have been refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanála over the absence of three-bed or larger units in the development. The ruling represents a setback for building firm O'Flynn Construction, which had sought approval for the development of 123 units in three apartment blocks up to six storeys in height at Old Fort Road, Ballincollig, Co Cork. Advertisement The proposed development consisted of 84 two-bed apartments and 39 one-bed apartments. The plans on a 1.065-hectare site also provided for a creche and multi-purpose amenity room. The company had sought planning permission for the scheme under the planning process for strategic housing developments which does not require the plans to be initially assessed by the relevant local authority, Cork City Council. However, An Bord Pleanála said the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028 sets out clear requirements on the mix of units within any new development. Advertisement It states that a minimum of 25 per cent of units in any new development of over 50 dwellings must have three bedrooms and a minimum of 10 per cent must have four or more bedrooms. The plans for the Old Fort Road site also exceed the maximum permitted proportion of smaller one- and two-bed units at 25 per cent and 40 per cent respectively. O'Flynn Construction argued that household sizes both nationally and in Cork were getting smaller. The company claimed the proposed development would appeal to a broad range of tenants by focusing on providing smaller units, affordability and quality housing. Advertisement However, An Bord Pleanála said the developer had not provided any justification why exceptional circumstances or flexibility should be used to its proposed mix of units. The board claimed the issue had not been addressed in a material contravention statement submitted by O'Flynn Construction which also concerned density and building height. An inspector with An Bord Pleanála said the unit mix would require 'a complete redesign' in order to comply with the development plan that would ultimately reduce the number of apartments in the scheme. Concerns were raised by several parties about the proposed development including the Waltham Abbey Residents Association whose estate adjoins the site being developed by O'Flynn Construction. Advertisement They claimed the density of the housing scheme was well in excess of recommended guidelines and claimed the development was 'overbearing, disproportionate, monolithic, visually dominant and out of character' with adjoining properties. The group also voiced concern that the height of the apartment blocks would have a detrimental visual impact on views of the River Lee. In a submission, Cork City Council acknowledged the density of the scheme exceeded the upper target for central Ballincollig but said it was considered acceptable given its location near the town centre. Council planners also claimed the proposed unit mix was satisfactory and they claimed the proposed development overall was in keeping with the zoning of the site subject to compliance with a number of planning conditions. Advertisement A separate decision by An Bord Pleanála in September 2020 to grant planning permission for the construction of an identical number of apartments on the same site remains the subject of an ongoing legal challenge. In September 2022, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of An Bord Pleanála in a case which sought to clarify a conflict which arose from the rulings of two High Court judges over whether the board was required to decline to deal with certain planning applications that were not accompanied by specific documents. The case partially arose from a judicial review brought by the Ballincollig-based Waltham Abbey Residents Association which claimed the board's grant of planning permission for the project on Old Fort Road in September 2020 was invalid. The Supreme Court directed that the original application should be remitted back to the High Court. Ireland Plans for almost 500 new homes put on hold after 3... Read More An inspector with An Bord Pleanála said the current proposal would be judged on its own merits. The inspector noted that the only differences between the two sets of plans were the omission of a gym at ground floor level in lieu of a multi-purpose amenity room for residents and some internal layout changes to improve daylight levels. She observed that the proposed development provided a high quality form of residential accommodation with a wide range of amenities that could create a distinctive sense of place and which would encourage social integration from generous communal open spaces. However, the inspector also recommended that planning permission should be refused because the unit mix did not comply with the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028.
Irish Examiner
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Ricken makes two changes to Cork side for Munster decider with Kerry
Cork have made two changes to the side that defeated Tipperary for Friday evening's Electric Ireland Munster MFC final against Kerry in Austin Stack Park, Tralee, throw-in at 7.35pm. Following a dramatic extra-time away victory over a strong Premier outfit that was secured courtesy of a last-minute Joe Miskella goal, manager Keith Ricken has given starts to Eoin Looney in place of Jerry O'Leary while Daniel McCarthy comes in for Paddy Murphy after the Donoughmore attacker went off injured in the Tipp contest. The provincial decider is a rematch of the quarter-final when Kerry inflicted a 10-point defeat on their neighbours in Páirc Uí Rinn, so the Rebels can expect a tough assignment. At the same time, they will be focused on lessons learned. Kerry have the upper hand when it comes to underage football in Munster, their semi-final was won by a convincing 3-16 to 0-9 triumph over Clare with second-half goals from captain Gearóid White (2) and Kevin Griffin decisive. Manager Wayne Quillinan has made one change to that team with Nick Lacey replacing Tadhg O'Connell in the full-forward line. Both teams will progress to the All-Ireland championship. CORK: R Twohig (Kilmeen); B Coffey (Clonakilty), A Keane (Kinsale), M Kiernan (Carrigaline); E Looney (Lyre), C McCarthy (St Colum's, Capt), B Cronin (Ballincollig); S Kelleher Leavy (Macroom), R Hayes (Carbery Rangers); T Whooley (Clonakilty), D Flynn (Argideen Rangers), N O'Callaghan (Castlehaven); D McCarthy (Castlehaven), B Corkery Delaney (Carrigaline), E Maguire (Castlehaven). Subs: D O'Riordan (Mallow), J Hanrahan (Mitchelstown), J Miskella (Ballincollig), S O'Sullivan (Aghabullogue), S Long (Newcestown), L O'Mahony (Ballincollig), J O'Leary (Ballinascarthy), E Collins (Kiskeam), E G O'Sullivan (Clyda Rovers). KERRY: R Kennedy (Kerins O'Rahillys); R Sheridan (Duagh), E Joy (Ballymacelligott), T Ó Slatara (Churchill); D Murphy (Listry), D Sargent (John Mitchels), M Clifford (Firies); M Ó Sé (An Ghaeltacht), J Curtin (Ballyduff); M O'Carroll (Dr Crokes), G White (John Mitchels, Capt), A Tuohy (Austin Stacks); N Lacey (Kerins O'Rahillys), K Griffin (St Michael's Foilmore), B Kelliher (Dr Crokes). Subs: S Sargent (John Mitchels), T O'Connell (Tarbert), D McCarthy (Listry), P Ó Mainnín (Lispole), J Kissane (Moyvane), L O'Brien (Glenflesk), T O'Sullivan (Glenbeigh/Glencar), C McGibney (Churchill), S Kiely (Dr Crokes).
Irish Examiner
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Walsh doubtful, Cleary 'to decide' on Cork comeback for Corbett
Cork boss John Cleary will have close to a full deck to pick from when his side head to Navan to take on Meath in their All-Ireland SFC opener on Saturday afternoon (throw-in, 3pm). Conor Corbett and Ballincollig's Luke Fahy have been back in training with the Rebels and both will be considered for selection this weekend, but Cleary noted the long-term absence of Kevin O'Donovan and the battle Tommy Walsh faces to get back in time for the game one of the round-robin. Kanturk defender Walsh is "struggling" with a heel knock he picked up in the Munster SFC semi-final defeat to Kerry. "Kevin O'Donovan is out now, he's quite a long-term term, he won't make any of the three games I'd say," Cleary said. "Tommy Walsh is struggling a bit. We'll probably see later on in the week, he's doubtful." Conor Corbett was a focal point in the Cork attack last term, but a cruciate ligament tear - his second of his career - suffered while playing in America for Chicago club, John McBride's, last summer, meant he only returned to Cork training last month. The availability of Luke Fahy, another who has had his injury troubles, is another boost as Cork face into a busy few weeks. "Obviously, they've not had a lot of game time, but their injuries have cleared up so they're back in training," Castlehaven club man Cleary said. "During the league, we had guys carrying knocks and bruises and injuries and thanks be to God, most of them have cleared up. But look, we're facing at least three games now in four weeks, possibly six in seven weeks, so we're going to need everyone." Ben O'Carroll of Roscommon in action against Tommy Walsh of Cork. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile Corbett's return to contention for championship fare has come shy of the nine-month mark post-cruciate rupture. Major strides have been made by the Clyda Rovers forward. "Yeah, well, look, again, we've two more training sessions to go and then we'll decide, you know, and, look, he picked up - as probably all cruciate injuries do - they pick up little nicks along the way after coming back. "You look at Paddy Lynch from Cavan, I think it's 13 months he's out, I think Conor is just over eight. "He's made a huge, huge strides to get back in the field and the last thing we want to do is put him at risk now. "His injury may be deemed okay, you know, whether he's physically ready to go, we'll just wait until the last minute before deciding." One man who won't feature this weekend is Ballygarvan's Seán Brady, who is suspended following his dismissal against the Kingdom - a very frustrating situation for Cleary. "Seán Brady's out as well, being suspended, which was very disappointing. We were disappointed when he was sent off, and to doubly compound it, we appealed it and it wasn't successful, Cleary said. "Anyone I spoke to all over the country couldn't understand why it was a sending off and yet when we appealed it, they doubled down on it, which was disappointing. "I think there's a new system in place now where you can't appeal the actual incident, you can only appeal the first hearing, so that's as far as it goes. So all you can do is appeal the technicality on the hearing you've got, you can't appeal the incident. "Obviously, the hearing was okay, but I'm sure if you offered it to a lot of people, football people around the country, I don't think too many would have confirmed it was sending off, but look, it was and the appeal wasn't successful. "It's disappointing but we just have to drive on." He added: "I think what Seán was sent off for was behaving in a manner dangerous to an opponent. You know, if they're going to bring that into GAA, every time a fella goes for a ball or a 50-50 ball, there is an element of danger there. "Look, disappointing, but we exhausted the avenues on it. "Disappointing for Seán himself, you know, as much as anything else now he loses out this weekend, but nothing we can do about it now."
BreakingNews.ie
15-05-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Family of man who was hacked to death in front of them have file on case sent to DPP
Gardaí investigating the murder of a father of two who was hacked to death in front of his family in 2018 have thanked a coroner for his 'patience' after they were granted a 14th adjournment of the case so they can get instructions on a murder file from the DPP. Father of two Mikolaj Wilk (35) was murdered at a property in Maglin Bridge, Ballincollig, Co Cork in the early hours of June 20th, 2018. Advertisement Several masked men entered the house and hacked him repeatedly in the presence of his wife, Elzbieta. She sustained injuries as she tried to come to his aid. The couple's young children were also in the property. They were not injured. However, they did witness the attack. On Thursday at Cork City Coroner's Court, Sgt Fergus Twomey applied for, and was granted, an adjournment of the inquest into Mr Wilk's death until November 15th. He told Cork City Coroner, Philip Comyn, that a file on the matter had been sent to the DPP. Advertisement 'This was a mammoth investigation with thousands of tasks and inquiries both within the State and in European countries, with assistance from other police forces. A comprehensive investigation file has been forwarded to the DPP seeking directions.' A number of people have been arrested and released without charge in connection with the death of the father of two. Those arrested include Latvian, Polish and Irish nationals. They were arrested on suspicion of facilitating and supporting an organised crime gang, whom gardaí suspect were behind the murder of Mr Wilk. A number of raids were carried out in the summer of 2019 as part of the Garda probe. Vehicles were also seized. Advertisement The Wilk family returned to Poland in the aftermath of the tragedy. The funeral ceremony for Mikolaj was conducted there. Elzbieta required hospitalisation in Cork after the murder. She underwent surgery on her tendons at Cork University Hospital. She was visited in hospital by the then Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr John Buckley, who extended his sympathy to her following her loss. Members of the Polish community also held remembrance masses in the wake of the death. The couple had been based in Ireland for over ten years and were due to celebrate their seventh wedding anniversary. Mr Wilk ran a gardening service in the area where he lived and was not known to the authorities.
Irish Times
14-05-2025
- Irish Times
Cork machete murder: Gardaí send file to DPP on man killed in front of wife and children
Gardaí in Cork have forwarded a file to the DPP on the murder of a father (35) of two who was killed in a machete attack in front of his wife and young children at their home in Ballincollig almost seven years ago. Polish national Mikolaj Wilk, who was known as Nick and worked as a landscape gardener, was attacked by up to five masked men armed with machetes when they burst into his home, the Bridge House, at Maglin near Ballincollig at around 3am on June 10th, 2018. Mr Wilk was repeatedly hacked in front of his wife, Elzbieta, who sustained serious slash injuries to her face, neck and her hands as she sought to protect her husband from his attackers, and she underwent surgery to try to save a number of fingers. The couple's two children, who were both under six years of age at the time, were uninjured in the incident, which gardaí described as one of the worst they had encountered in Cork. READ MORE A woman in her 30s who was renting a room from the Wilks, managed to flee through a window at the rear of the house and ran to a nearby house to raise the alarm. Gardaí responded, arriving to the scene where they found Mr Wilk in a critical condition. Gardaí and HSE paramedics, who arrived soon after, worked to stabilise Mr Wilk's condition before he was taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital, where despite extensive injuries, he survived for two hours before dying. Now almost seven years after what gardaí described as 'a complex investigation with an international aspect', which involved examining more than 1,000 hours of CCTV footage and detailed analysis of phone records, detectives have forwarded a file running to over 3,000 pages to the DPP. The file also includes memos of interviews with six suspects, all in their 30s – two Poles and a Latvian, who were arrested at addresses in Ballincollig and Togher in January 2019; a Latvian who was arrested in Blackpool; and an Irish man and woman who were arrested in Mayfield in April 2019. All six were arrested and brought to various Garda stations around Cork City including Togher, Gurranebraher and the Bridewell where they were all detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act and questioned at length before they were all released without charge. The file also includes the results of a postmortem by Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster that found Mr Wilk died from shock and haemorrhage due to multiple blows from sharp weapons in association with a traumatic brain injury. Mr Wilk's inquest first opened before Cork City Coroner Philip Comyn in November 2018 when medical evidence on the cause of Mr Wilk's death was heard, but gardaí have successfully sought a number of adjournments since then to allow for the criminal investigation to proceed. Gardaí have remained tight-lipped about their investigation over the past six years and 11 months, but it is understood their focus has been on an Eastern European criminal gang whom they believed carried out the attack with logistics support from people in Cork. Investigators have kept Mr Wilk's widow, Elzbieta, informed of the latest developments – she returned to Poland with her children later in June 2018, settling down in her home village some 60km from Poznan where she and Mr Wilk were childhood sweethearts.
