Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)

A new development is going up in Lahardane with hundreds of homes. There is to be a site there for a specific building for a community centre. You could not swing a cat in it, no disrespect. What we want is a proper community centre delivered for the people of Ballyvolane, for the existing residents and the new residents who will come there. We want to see services provided in the community. I was recently at a meeting with other TDs and councillors from the ward where it was outlined that a scoping exercise was going on. I am asking that when a plan is delivered by Cork City Council and the Ballyvolane community, the Minister and the Government give a commitment that the money will finally be there to deliver it. During the local election campaign, councillors and candidates from Government parties were out talking about the need for the community centre. Were these more false promises made at election time which are not then delivered? If an application is made by Cork City Council and the community, will the Minister commit to fund a new community centre in Ballyvolane?

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