From blackspot to hotspot: northside comes into its own

CORK’S northside — which has for decades been synonymous with unemployment and social depravation — is slowly undergoing a renaissance.

Nowhere was this more evident yesterday than just outside the Cunningham’s house in Farranree where hard proof of a multi-million euro city council-led investment package was clear for all to see.

The road by Na Piarsaigh GAA club, where two of the Cunningham boys tog out every weekend, was being resurfaced.

A small example of how the face of the northside is changing slowly — for the better. A lot done, but a whole lot more to do.

Starved for decades of investment, the northside suffered.

It, more than most communities, was forced to grapple with the social problems which have plagued modern Ireland.

Still one of the country’s unemployment blackspots, this economic deprivation brought the associated problems of drug abuse, joyriding and street crime to blight the community.

The ’90s was particularly difficult, especially on the northside, when the deadly craze of joy-riding threatened to spiral out of control. It was the past-time for a generation.

But the authorities responded to the complex range of problems — albeit slowly.

Designating swathes of the northside RAPID area (Regenerating Areas through Planning,

Investment and Development) was the first crucial step to secure extra government investment.

At a local level, tens of millions are being spent to revamp council homes, and several new infill housing developments are replacing areas once plagued by anti-social behaviour.

Lidl is investing millions in a new supermarket nearby. Community centres are being built, others are being revamped, parks and playgrounds are being built, and tens of thousands of euro is being spent on landscaping.

The Sam Allen sports complex and the Leisure World complex in Churchfield are shining examples, perched high on the northside hills, of what can be done.

The northside is at last getting its fair share of investment. And despite the cosmetic work, it is filtering down to the people.

They have always had pride in their community.

Local heroes like John Gardiner, excelling on the national stage, have helped.

Proud northsiders were flying Piarsaigh GAA club and Cork flags from the windows of homes in Bride Valley View yesterday.

The tight-knit community, which rallies to defend its own, also celebrates its own.

No wonder then that the entire community has wished the Cunninghams well. It’s not just their win, it’s a win for the northside.

Local Labour Cllr Mick O’Connell is a friend of the family.

“They are a fine family. Everyone is looking forward to them coming home and they’ll get a great reception on Fairhill. People will respect their privacy if they decide to go down that route. They’ll certainly get peace from their neighbours. They’ll be very supportive of the family,” he said.