County Mayor's diary Cllr Mary Linehan Foley

By the Mayor of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley

Thanks to the hard work of everyone in our community, and especially our healthcare workers and those working on the vaccine rollout, we are seeing the easing of restrictions that allow many public amenities to reopen.

Cork County Council’s libraries are reopening their doors to the public. While seating and computers will not be available, members can browse and collect books, printing can be ordered and the phenomenal delivery service that has been operational over the past year will continue to deliver for vulnerable persons and those with specific medical needs.

Many of the council’s tourism sites will also reopen, including the Michael Collins House, Skibbereen Heritage Centre and St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal, with protective measures in place at all locations for the safety of visitors and staff.

The reopening of these facilities compliments the continued availability of our many wonderful playgrounds, walkways and outdoor amenities, giving residents and visitors a host of great activities to look forward to.

The council has also been working hard on a very special product to help everyone make the most of Cork county this summer.

The unique Explore Cork App has been developed as a one-stop-shop tourism app, providing a gateway to over 850 things to see and do throughout Cork county, including beaches, visitor attractions, heritage sites, islands, arts, culture and more.

Visitors can get all the information they need to plan a trip, with things to do, sites to see and places to stay or dine, and even residents can make the most of their locale with the What’s Near Me? feature. I invite everyone to download the free Explore Cork app, available on Android and iOS.

There’s no shortage of creativity and innovation in our community when it comes to making the most of our environs. From enhanced towns and village centres to heritage sites and trails, much of what’s on offer has been driven by local groups.

Cork County Council has launched its inaugural Heritage Grant Scheme to support non-profit heritage groups in their endeavours, with grants of up to €1,000 available.

This scheme recognises the great work undertaken by groups throughout the county. Such projects support placemaking and local pride, attract tourism and will benefit generations of learners to come.

The council has also called for expressions of interest from community, business and development groups for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2021, supporting the regeneration of town and village centres.

The council has worked hand in hand with local groups to enhance village and town centres through Project ACT to reveal the incredible potential of all our towns and villages, and this Scheme is an opportunity to continue delivering improvements. Details of both these schemes are available on corkcoco.ie

Now is our time to shine, so let’s continue to work together for our county community.