Cork city's first biodiversity hub begins life in Ballincollig
"This is to be a place about the heart, to reconnect with nature. It’ll make a great space if we weave it into what we do."
A new biodiversity hub, situated in a historic building in Ballincollig Regional Park, will be pivotal in protecting the various species that call the 140-acre suburban park home.
The community-led initiative is the brainchild of local resident Dr Mabel Hernandez, who, along with Maria Young of Green Spaces for Health and Eithne Lynch, has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition in the old Powdermills Visitor Centre.
Although the hub has already begun to hold meetings, with ornithologist Jim Wilson giving a talk last month, the official inauguration of the building took place on Tuesday, March 11. It was attended by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle, who said the launch was “auspicious” for a number of reasons
“Firstly, it’s a recognition of the biodiversity in Cork and it recognises the effort that has gone into the building itself and what an addition it is to Ballincollig, its history and the fact the building is being repurposed and reused is a statement in itself as well.”
“It creates a locale where people can meet and talk and better understand biodiversity because we talk a lot about climate change, but just as serious is the need for biodiversity and how without it, our very existence is under threat.”
Cllr Boyle added that, despite the development of the local area, the natural habitat needs to be better cared for in order to safeguard the region’s biodiversity.
“Ballincollig is a community which has gone through a number of iterations and change has been a constant, as it has moved from being a country town to a part of Cork City.”
“But it’s important we have a variety of species and birds and insects and have the opportunity then collectively to bring the message that action is needed to help protect them.”
“There is a great need to take biodiversity seriously or ultimately we are the losers.”
“Cork is leading the way with this hub.”
Speaking after the Lord Mayor, Maria Young said, “There was a lot of competition for the vacant building, which we only became aware of afterwards, so we don’t take it for granted that we are here.”
Young was keen to emphasise the collaborative nature of the project, as well as the co-sharing aspect of using the building, which she feels is a great addition to the area.
“We’re sharing the space with the local GAA club and the Men’s Shed Group, who haven’t moved in yet but are building a shed out the back in a month or two.”
“But anything we do will all be done with the support of the community, because we can’t do anything on our own.”
Rosemary McDonald, who will focus on greening our back gardens; and a strand of talks for farmers, by farmers. We want to get to know the farmers in the local area, as we are straddling the urban and the rural, and this is a perfect location.”
Young also mentioned a number of other projects, such as a collaboration with Rosewood, a local housing estate, to plant an apple orchard and rewild parts of the estate. Additionally, over eighty acorns will be planted with Scoil Barra, and there will be an initiative with a newly-formed cycling group aimed at those who haven’t been on a bicycle in a while but would like to get back into it.
The launch, while upbeat and positive for the most part, was not entirely without a sense of urgency. This was highlighted by Dr. Mabel Hernandez, who spoke briefly but pointedly: “It’s time to stop talking and to act.”
Young echoed these sentiments. “Why are we here? We’re in a crisis with biodiversity. When 2025 came around I had an awful sense of foreboding because we have to act as if our house is on fire. We’re doing good work, but it needs to be ramped up through collaboration with everyone in the community.”
“This is to be a place about the heart, to reconnect with nature and it’ll make a great space if we weave it into what we do.”
The Biodiversity Hub will host a talk by Donal O’Leary on composting methods and what can be composted on Thursday, March 20 at 7:30pm. Donal will also be and answering questions. You can reserve your spot by contacting corkbiodiversityhub@gmail.com
