Michael Moynihan: Cork has so many access obstacles — and it is hurting everyone

The notion that a private organisation is swallowing up part of a public park, no matter how small, probably grates with many readers

People enjoying the sunshine in Bishop Lucey Park, Cork city. Slimming down a public park means removing an option for teens — a sector of the population with limited options for meeting up to begin with. File Picture: Denis Scannell

I’ve pointed out here more than once that a city for kids is a city for all — if children can access amenities within the city comfortably and safely then everyone, almost by definition, can do the same no matter what age they are.

Perhaps that was a bit idealistic, looking back. I met a pal out in Blackpool in Cork who took me on a brief stroll into town and pointed out obstacles to access which aren’t confined to toddlers or primary school-age children.