Over 900 new jobs will be created through the establishment of over 70 start-up companies in 2009. This is according to Minister for Trade and Commerce, Billy Kelleher TD who announced that the Government through Enterprise Ireland has supported the establishment of 73 new high potential start-up companies (HPSUs) in 2009.

The latest figures released by the Central Applications Office (CAO) show that students are moving away from construction related programmes in favour of more general degrees in the arts, business and science. The record number of applicants hoping to secure a place in a third level institution is up six per cent on last year and the majority of the increase can be seen in the social science, arts and other healthcare programmes.

Hse South should move to reassure the people of Cork City and County that their X-rays have been reviewed by a consultant radiologist, in the wake of the controversy in Tallaght Hospital according to Deputy Michael McGrath. Deputy McGrath believes that the controversy concerning Tallaght hospital will inevitably cause a great deal of concern amongst the general public in Cork and he has asked the HSE to calm any fears that may arise.

Fianna Fail Cllr Kenneth O'Flynn has called on Minister for Agriculture to scrap the current dog licensing system. Cllr O'Flynn wants to replace it with a more modern, effective and technology driven incentive, he said he would be in favour of the current system being replaced with the compulsory chipping of dogs instead, this would then act as a one-off licence.

On St Patrick's Day, Irish people all over the world celebrate in style. Emma Donavan will have a day much like any other. She is living in Kenya now and working as a Fundraising Adviser with the Kenyan Association for the Blind. In Nairobi her day will be much the same as usual. Emma is a 37 year old from Rochestown in Cork. As a VSO volunteer she will be in Kenya for two years in total and is 11 months into her placement.

A New report has quantified the value to Cork provided by McDonald's restaurants in the City and County. With eight premises in Cork, the company employs 347 people and generates over €5m in household incomes. The research, prepares by Indecon International Economic Consultants, also shows that the overall impact of McDonald's operations in Cork, comprising wages, salaries and non-labour costs amounts to €9m annually.

Kevin Glavin was the popular winner of the final of Cork's Got Talent last Saturday night. He plans to release his single 'Pour it Out' next week and donate the proceeds to charity. Kevin revealed his initial reticence to be in the competition to the Cork Independent: "I was very reluctant to enter Cork's Got Talent at the start as it didn't really appeal to me but I ended up winning it!

Cork Heritage sites which are crucial to the local tourism industry are to receive Government funding of over €500,000. According to Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin, "the funding will be used to protect local heritage buildings and sites throughout the city and county. These structures are a concrete link to our history, give us all a sense of pride in Cork and attract tourists into our communities."

On Sunday 28 March, Ted Philpott will be swimming 4000 metres at LeisureWorld Bishopstown Pool to raise €4000 to take part in one of two 'build-it-weeks' that have been planned for April and October this year. Ted travelled to Haiti last October as a Haven Volunteer where he took part in Haven's Build-It-Week 2009. A total of 41 houses were built in one week, making a total of 200 built by Haven in 2009.

The Cork branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust will be holding an event on Saturday 20 March to introduce people to their seashores. The outing is free and anyone is welcome to attend. Anyone wishing to attend is asked to phone or text in advance. The group will meet at 11am in the main car park at Roches Point.