Removal of parking at Parochial Hall, Gurranabraher
Statement from Cork County Basketball Board
Re: Removal of Parking at the Parochial Hall, Gurranabraher
Cork County Basketball Board is deeply concerned and disappointed by the actions taken today regarding the removal of parking outside the Parochial Hall in Gurranabraher. This decision has proceeded without any agreement in place, despite ongoing discussions between our Board, a city councillor, and Cork City Council.
The commencement of these works — carried out under security presence — is both unacceptable and deeply damaging to the basketball community in Cork. The Parochial Hall is the heart of Cork basketball, serving as our most important and busiest venue. Each week, over 50 games take place there, with 15 clubs using it for their home games. Basketball has been played in the Parochial Hall for over 60 years, and it is a proud and vital part of Cork’s sporting heritage.
The removal of parking will have a huge and immediate impact on players, coaches, families, officials, and spectators, particularly younger players and those traveling from across the county. What is unfolding today, with security guards overseeing the works, feels like a form of intimidation and bullying by Cork City Council and cannot be accepted by our community.
We are also extremely disappointed by the lack of response and silence from both local and national representatives. Elected officials are chosen to represent and engage with the people, not to impose decisions upon them without consultation.
We therefore call for all works to cease immediately so that proper mediation and consultation can take place between Cork City Council, local representatives, the local people and the Cork County Basketball Board This matter requires collaboration and understanding — not unilateral action.
Basketball has flourished in the Parochial Hall for generations. It is our responsibility to ensure that it can continue to do so for generations to come.
Willie McCarthy
Chairperson
Cork County Basketball Board