Services » Recreation, Amenity & Culture

CEDP / Jobs Initiative

Opening Hours

9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. weekdays (including lunchtime).

Aims and Objectives

• To undertake major environmental improvement works in the Cork City area
• To foster improved community spirit in the local areas

Community Employment And Job Initiative Scheme

Cork City Council in association with FÁS operate Community Employment and Job Initiative Schemes, undertaking a range of environmental improvement projects and maintenance works in Parks, Roads and Housing areas throughout Cork City. Emphasis is placed on providing valuable employment experience and training for unemployed people, particularly the long-term unemployed with the objective of progression to full time employment. Major environmental works have been undertaken at a number of public parks and amenity areas, examples of which are:

Community Employment Projects

• Jerry O'Sullivan Park, Churchfield
  
  The park is located on a sloping triangular 6- acre site in the centre of Churchfield. The site has been re-graded and new pathways installed. All the paths are tree-lined with selected species, masses of daffodils planted and shrub beds prepared for planting. Public lighting has been installed along the paths and seating has been provided. A railing mounted on a concrete plinth has been erected around the perimeter of the park. Stone walls and piers have been constructed at the entrances and gates erected. A number of paved focal points have been provided throughout the park. The park is now complete following installation of a children's playground by a specialist contractor. There will be some on-going maintenance in the future by Community Employment workers, for establishment of trees and shrubbery purposes, but over-all care will revert to the Cork City Council Parks Dept.
• Lady's Well, Richmond Hill
  
  This area is a very steeply sloping 1-acre site, which was acquired by Cork City Council under the Derelict Sites Act. A paved seating and viewing terrace was constructed in the upper section of the park. The slopes of the park immediately below the terraces were graded, topsoiled and soft landscaping carried out. Development of the lower part of the site is underway with the formation of a footpath, which will be continued with a series of flights of steps to link the upper and lower parts of the park. An archaelogical investigation is underway to locate any remains that might exist of the Lady's Well. This is listed as a national monument but has been lost over the years. If traces are found it can be incorporated as a feature into the park to which it gives its name.
• Mayfield
  
  Major refurbishment of the shrubbery on the North Ring Road is underway with grading, planting and grass seeding being carried out to produce a sustainable landscape.
• The Glen
  
  A new entrance to the Glen Amenity Park, opening from the Ballyhooley New road is proposed, and construction is scheduled to begin in the near future. This will also incorporate a car park. Work is ongoing in the Glen housing area on a regular basis consisting mainly of clean-ups, edging greens, pruning shrubberies as well as minor repairs to footpaths and fencing.
• Hollyhill
  
  Work in general is carried out in response to the needs of the community as a whole rather than in any single location. Work has been undertaken in Courtown Drive in conjunction with Estate Management, carrying out improvements to the green areas as identified by the community, also paving, planting, etc. This work is on-going, and regular clean-ups in the area are also undertaken.
• Fairhill
  
  Work in this area is similar to that carried out in Hollyhill and includes work around Churchfield Industrial Estate, Nash's Boreen Walkway and surrounding green areas.
• Clashduv Park
  
  The construction of a major park at Clashduv in Togher commenced in Spring '98 and is well progressed for before the end of the year. The provision of a car park and pathways, reshaping of ground levels and landscaping, major tree and daffodil planting, etc. are already complete, as is erection of a barrier rail around the pitch area. A concrete footpath was also laid outside the park. A steel, fabricated railing and gates have been erected around the perimeter of the Park. Seating and litter-bins are also being put in place. A children's playground is scheduled for installation in the park shortly.
• Skehard Road Park, Mahon
  
  Work here consists of upgrading of the existing park including refurbishment of the stone boundary wall. Major tree planting has been carried out together with diversion of overhead lines and provision of footpaths. The footpath network needs to be expanded and further work is also required on the entrances to the park, including screen walls and planting.
• Tory Top Park
  
  Railings will be erected shortly to complete the enclosure of Tory Top Park. Improvement works will also be carried out on the internal pathways and landscaping.

Awards

Job Initiative Projects

• Meelick Park
  
  Development of Meelick Park is well underway. The area has been graded, topsoiled and grass-seeded. The green is now established and the overhead power lines are scheduled to be re-laid underground shortly. Further development will consist of the formation of a path network and the erection of railings on the perimeter.
• The Lough
  
  Improvement works are being carried out in the Lough, including the construction of paved areas, improved signage, and installation of new playground equipment. Associated works to the adjoining greens and walks are also in progress.
• Ballyvolane Enterprise Centre
  
  Hard and soft landscaping was carried out to enhance the surrounds of the new enterprise centre. This included installation of neat gravelled surrounds to the perimeter of the site, the formation of shrub beds at the focal points and entrance to the centre, and planting wild flower areas on steep embankments.