Watergrasshill gets new plaza
In the absence of a village green or town square, Watergrasshill now has a spectacular plaza. Supported by the local authority and financed thanks to assistance from Cork County Council's Recreational Grant Scheme, the Village Enhancement Scheme and Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, this impressive civic space was officially opened by Mayor of County Cork, Cllr. Gillian Coughlan on Wednesday morning.
Speaking at the opening, Cllr. Coughlan was glowing in her praise of Watergrasshill Community Association, who spearheaded the project.
"Once again, local volunteers have steered this project from planning to completion, the end result is an eye catching multi-use civic space that enhances an already attractive village centre, 'comhghairdeas' (congratulations) and well done to all concerned," she said.
Watergrasshill Community Association Chairman, Dan Lynch, said the plaza added significantly to the village's infrastructure and he thanked all those who helped make it a reality - landscape architect Cathal O'Meara, staff from Cork County Council and project manager, Tim Linehan.
Funding for the development was originally allocated in 2020 under the Village Enhancement Fund, and two public consultations were held, one in February and one in March, just before the Covid-19 lockdown.
Continuing meetings online within a smaller group, Barry Curtin of Watergrasshill Community Association noted that they continued to progress their plans for the new plaza despite the challenges.
“As a Community Association, we’ve been down for the last two years, but that didn’t stop us with regards this project. While we couldn’t meet in person, we still progressed it.
“There was great vibes at the official opening. The space was just a greenfield site before and now there’s a purposeful pathway that is lit by night, there’s a nice seating area and planting. What was delivered means an awful lot. It’s essentially the new town square,” Mr Curtin told The Avondhu.
While it was originally hoped that the project would be completed in late December 2020, successive lockdowns saw the project pushed out and funding was rolled forward. Further funding was also secured to install seating, pave a footpath and install public lighting.
Looking forward, Mr Curtin noted the variety of uses the space could offer to the Watergrasshill community.
“Any time we might need an outdoor public gathering – or even a concert – we can avail of this space,” he said.
MEETING POINT
Public representatives in attendance for Wednesday’s opening included Cllr Anthony Barry (Carrigtwohill) and Cllr Sheila O’Callaghan (Watergrasshill). Cllr O’Callaghan said Cork County Council were delighted to be of assistance.
Local councillor Sheila O’Callaghan commended those involved with getting the project over the line.
“When I came to Watergrasshill over 30 years ago, the square was where it all happened and it was at the other end of the village by The Hut Bar and everything revolved around the community hall and the church.
“In the late ‘90s and early 2000s, the southern end of the village began developing and now that’s where it’s all happening with the shop, hairdressers, the diner and so on,” Cllr O’Callaghan said.
She went on to note that it is ‘wonderful’ to see the area being utilised by children skateboarding and that looking forward, more people may use the space to sit and chat once the weather improves.
THE EVER CHANGING FACE OF WATERGRASSHILL
A hugely desirable place to reside, the population of Wategrasshill continues to grow. This creates its own challenges, however, Watergrasshill Community Association are upbeat about the future of their village and its people.