Activities and Campaigns
Current
Please sign the petition to save the Garda Station from demolition:
Petition to Save Ballincollig Garda Station building from Demolition
Destruction of Victorian style houses
BHA was saddened to see the destruction last month of the red brick building adjacent to the garda station in Ballincollig. Built in 1884, it had been part of the streetscape for 125 years. A new garda station will be built on the site which is owned by the OPW. Once it is complete, the current station will be demolished to make room for a car park. Photos show the demolished building was badly affected by ivy and tree growth but that is not the case for its neighbour. BHA is exploring the possibility of preserving the old garda station as a museum.
History comes alive in schools: A number of re-enactors from different periods of history, including Roman, Viking and American Civil War, recently visited Scoil Eoin and Scoil Mhuire. A short talk was given by BHA to explain how gunpowder was made. See gallery page for photos.
Renovation of the Gunpowder Mills
Two bridges at the powdermills end of the regional park have recently been cleared of ivy. They are the bridge over the dried up mill race which led to the charcoal mill (pictured here) and the one which led to the saw mill. Formerly hidden by the rampant growth of ivy, the two bridges which were constructed from local limestone in c 1805 can now be seen and appreciated.
Renovation of Watch House
Repairs to the round watch tower have now been completed. The roof has been repaired with old tiles, the brickwork has been re-pointed and the whole structure has been made more weather proof with a coat of hydraulic lime plaster. It is good to see it restored to its former glory.
News about the future of visitors' centre
BHA is campaigning for this facility to be accessed by the community, housing as it does all the artefacts, displays and information panels pertaining to the gunpowder mills. See part of the documentary film on the centre on Youtube to appreciate the resources the centre holds.
New signage for heritage sites
BHA is keen to promote signage in the town for locals and visitors alike so that the key amenity sites are made more obvious and the range of historic sites are also highlighted. BHA is currently working on a town map sign similar to those in the regional park.
BHA would also like to see more signage in the regional park, highlighting the key gunpowder buildings and explaining their use. Information signs about the flora and fauna of the park would also be desirable.
Ongoing monitoring of planning applications
BHA monitors all new planning applications in the Ballincollig area and is ready to comment and if necessary oppose any application which is to the detriment of the town's heritage sites.
School talks programme
BHA is always willing to give talks to schools about Ballincollig's history and to give guided walks of the regional park.
Objection to development at the East Gate July 2009
A letter was written with Ballincollig Tidy Towns and Muskerry History Society objecting to an application to build two new retail units on the site of an old guard house, next to the historic East Gate. As proposed, the new development would detract aesthetically from this historic and attractive open area and would cause potential traffic congestion. This application has now been passed subject to certain conditions.
Past
St Patrick’s Day Parade: BHA in conjunction with the Pards won third prize in Ballincollig’s first St Patrick Day’s Parade.
County Mayor, Derry Canty visited Ballincollig Regional Park together with Mary Ryan, Director of Services and Catryn Power, County Archaeologist to see for himself how work on the white Watch House was progressing
Local History Exhibition
This event took place on Tuesday 20th October in the City Hall with over 40 societies represented. Ballincollig Heritage Association together with Muskerry History Society put on a display of the town's heritage. Due to its outstanding sucess, this exhibition will be repeated next year.
Living history event on black powder 4-5 July 2009
Local re-enactors, the PARDS, together with other historical groups from all over the country camped in the regional park and demonstrated the use of gunpowder in skirmishes using muskets and a small field gun. They also marched up to the town centre, dressed as redcoats and locals and staged evictions on the square. It is hoped to repeat this event next year.
Documentary Film: An Explosive Tale June 2009
BHA collaborated with Cork City and County Film Archive to make a 30-minute film on the history and the future of the gunpowder mills. The film was launched by Minister Batt O'Keeffe at Oriel House on 2nd June 2009.
New map signs for the Regional Park May 2009
Batt O'Keeffe unveiled one of the new signs at the western end of the park with information provided by BHA. Visitors to the park can see the outline of the original gunpowder works, the key buildings, a brief history, and a map of the trails. The sign is written in both English and Irish.
