This year for the first time, a cheerful little Christmas tree brightened up the central island of Monkstown. This tree was truly a community effort. The concept and execution of the plan was the culmination of several years of work by the Monkstown Amenity Association. The tree itself was donated by Mr. Sean James, Monkstown resident and former Passage West Town Commissioner. I managed to source suitable lights from Dublin at the last minute. The Carrigaline Area Office of Cork County Council kindly organised the design of the plinth and were more than co-operative in assisting with the electrical connections and the dressing of the tree. This co-ordinated effort brought much joy to the children and their parents who were present for the switching on of the lights on Christmas Eve…
One of the greatest fears of parents living in Monkstown is the speed of traffic through the village. Strand Road, the main road running through Monkstown from Passage West, carries a huge volume of commuter traffic to the Ringaskiddy industrial base. Also of particular concern is the Glen Road. Children tend to run out from the village playground onto the Glen Road, completely blinded by parked cars and invisible to oncoming traffic.
I arranged a meeting with Cork County Council’s Area Engineer to discuss traffic calming measures on both Strand Road and the Glen Road. He has agreed to speak to the Road Design Engineer about constructing a “gate” on the Strand Road to slow northbound traffic before entering the village…
Independent Councillor in the Carrigaline Municipal District of County Cork