Sir, - The articles "Voices on the Edge" contained inaccuracies in the section on Knocknaheeny, Cork. I am a priest working and living in Knocknaheeny/Hollyhill parish. I work primarily as a school chaplain in the local community college, so I feel I have a pretty accurate understanding of the youth in particular.
There are 1,500 homes here, not just 300.
Never has a child been killed walking home from school by joyriders.
There is a bus service for those who are currently in third-level education.
There is a new youth centre up and running very well for the past four years. It is a model for youth centres throughout the country as it has succeeded in getting various State agencies, and Cork Corporation to work together in harmony with the local community.
There is a community development project, We The People, which has transformed the way we look at the community. This project is working very hard to overcome the image we have had forced upon us.
I don't feel like I live in a ghetto, a view shared by all those I know. I bought my own TV, as did all those I know living around me.
People here are highly motivated. I reject the statement that "certain types of people were brought in to live here" because of non-payment of rent. If anything there is a tremendous sense of community here from St Vincent's Hurling and Football Club, St Mary's on the Hill Boxing Club, local drama and senior citizens' groups and an information centre, to mention but a few communitybased groups.
We also have two marvellous schools, secondary and primary, doing tremendous work for both students and their parents. Currently I work with a secondary school teacher who grew up here and was educated locally. The present Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dave McCarthy, is from Knocknaheeny.
Like communities all over our country, we have our problems, but we are addressing them together. - Yours, etc.,
From Fr Paul M. O'Donoghue
Knocknaheeny, Cork.