25 April 2016
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
There’s a new Mural of Cork in the Grattan Street Car Park.
The Construction Industry Federation, in conjunction with the Cork Foundation and Re-Imagine Cork, are “delighted to be associated with several regeneration projects in Cork City Centre”.
Members of the Construction Industry Federation, including O’Sheas Builders (Cork) Ltd, Sean Ahern Electrical Ltd., P.J. Hegarty & Sons, Purcell Scaffolding Cork Ltd, Substruck Ltd., Edward Feehely Decorators Ltd. and MMD Construction Cork Ltd, have volunteered to take part in several projects including:-
- Painting at Grattan Street Carpark. (Painting Contractor Eddie Feehilly with Paint sponsored by Pat McDonnell Paints)
- Installation of History of Cork Art Mural in Grattan Street Carpark. (Installation by O’Shea Builders Ltd & PJ Hegarty & Sons Ltd, History of Cork Mural painted by children from Cork Educate Together National School , sponsored by KBC Bank.)
Upcoming Projects include
- Painting at the side of Paul Street Carpark. (Eddie Feehilly Painting Contractor with Paint sponsored by Pat McDonnell Paints)
- Lighting the lanes project being carried out by Sean Ahern Electrical Ltd in Daltons Lane, Colman’s Lane, Daltons Avenue, Daltons Avenue (off Cornmarket Street) & Augustine’s Street (The street down the back of St Augustine’s Church)
The Construction Industry Federation in the Cork Region has a long history of engaging in various corporate social responsibility projects and these various projects bring back into the public realm historic laneways that have been neglected throughout the years.
With these projects it is hoped the public will use these historic public spaces in even greater numbers and it will help enhance not only the public realm for the residents of Cork City Centre but also enhance the visitor experience to what is Cork City Centre’s historic core.
This, along with other major regeneration projects in Cork City Centre, will visibly enhance the area and ensure greater pedestrian traffic through these historic laneways.
Cormac Smith, Chairman of the Cork Branch CIF stated that “The construction industry by its very nature regenerates and reimagines and has been responsible for rejuvenating many parts of Cork over the years. These small regeneration project which our members have volunteered their time and effort illustrates the commitment of the construction industry to regeneration and rejuvenation in Cork City. It is an exciting time for Cork City Centre with a number of major regeneration projects currently taking place but we should not forget about some of the smaller projects which can help make Cork City Centre an even better place for everyone that uses it.”
Eoghan Ryan commented “At Reimagine Cork we’re trying to rejuvenate the city for Corkonians and tourists alike. We believe that community led action will best deliver this change. We were delighted when approached by CIF & Cork Foundation. They believe in an ‘action not words’ approach which is in keeping with our own philosophy. Eddie Feehily and his crew completed the painting of Grattan St Car Park on a rainy day. It was easier to cry off but they got it done because they made a promise. Cork people need to see delivery in this manner to restore pride and trust. We’re thoroughly looking forward to continuing this transformation with the installation of the Cork Educate Together National School History of Cork mural (funded by KBC Bank) and ‘Lighting Up the Lanes’ projects.”
Padraic Vallely , CEO of Cork Foundation commented at the announcement “ The Cork Foundation are delighted to partner with CIF and Re-Imagine Cork with this plan of works. It is encouraging and inspiring to see organisations like CIF giving back to Cork. We believe in the philosophy of Cork people helping Cork people , and we think that both CIF and ReImagine Cork are a perfect fit, utilising the skills and expertise of CIF, along with the know how and drive of Reimagine Cork. We want to connect with as many organisations as possible so together we can make a difference to Cork.”
Cork Foundation aims to bring about positive change through funding viable and sustainable businesses that will help create jobs and strengthen local communities and people. Cork Foundation wants to connect with Individuals and Businesses in Cork , who want to make a difference and an impact on their community.
The Construction Industry Federation is the representative body for the Irish construction industry. The CIF offices in Cork are located in Eastgate Avenue in Little Island and can be contacted on (021) 4351410 or cifcork@cif.ie
Re-Imagine Cork are volunteer led and have rejuvenated many parts of the City Centre with imaginative projects.