County Mayor's Diary

Cllr Gillian Coughlan

I would like to acknowledge the work of Cork County Council employees in response to the recent storms, carrying out necessary preparations, keeping us updated throughout, and cleaning the damage to keep us safe.

My sincere sympathies are extended to the wife, son, friends and colleagues of Wexford County Council worker William Kinsella, who tragically lost his life working to clear debris during this storm. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Despite all the bad weather during February, there were bright cold dry days when I got the opportunity to do what I love most, get out and about and meet the citizens of the county.

A highlight for me both as a teacher and a member of the community was to officially open the new Bandon Library on Monday 21 February. It has a selection of 30,000 books so all tastes are catered for, customised furniture, a glorious story telling zone for younger children, a multifunction meeting room with digital conferencing equipment, two 3D printers, laptops and iPads available to borrow.

There are ambitious plans to provide free computer coding classes for children and Lego robotics workshops. Soon library members will be able to borrow books and access the facility every day of the year outside of normal opening hours as Bandon Library is set to become the first My Open Library in West Cork where the library will be open on a self-service basis from 8am to 10pm, 365 days of the year.

In further support of arts and creativity, Cork County Council has announced over €140,000 in funding through its 2022 Arts Grants Scheme.

The funding provided to 105 artists and arts organisations in this year’s scheme will help our citizens reconnect with each other through participation and engagement in arts and cultural activities. The funding allocated will enable festivals, artists and voluntary arts organisations to deliver projects that will have a real impact.

This year, support will be given to a new project proposed by the First Cut film Festival in Youghal that will encourage young people to submit films in Irish. I will be looking forward to seeing these films which may continue the legacy of producing Irish Oscar winning writers and producers for the next generation.

We are now in the midst of Seachtain na Gaeilge, one of the biggest annual celebrations of our national language. This is a great opportunity to brush up on your use of Irish and to look out for local ciorcail cainte, or other opportunities to engage with this wonderful part of our heritage.

There is a lot to celebrate locally and nationally, and as our towns and villages continue to open up more and more, opportunities abound to engage with our communities.

I look forward to seeing more of you in the weeks and months ahead!