County Mayor's Diary

Cllr Gillian Coughlan

Another Bank Holiday weekend has been and gone. It wasn’t the best weather over the weekend but the temperatures are rising and holidays from school and work are beckoning.

Cork County was awarded a record 26 blue flags for our beaches which reflects the ongoing efforts of our local coastal community groups and Cork County Council working together. We are very fortunate to have such wonderful beaches as an amenity for swimming, walking, surfing and making sandcastles.

They do, however, need protecting so while all visitors from near and far are most welcome, we need everyone to play their part to keep our beaches beautiful and safe so be sure to take your rubbish home.

The new Cork County Development Plan came into effect on 6 June the culmination of a 2-year statutory review process. The plan supports the revitalisation of our towns and villages while safeguarding our environment and you, the public made over 3,000 submissions which made for a hugely positive contribution to the development of Cork County for the next 6 years. It will make Cork County an even more attractive and vibrant place to live.

I was fortunate enough to visit Ring Rowing Club, a successful grant recipient of €9,000 to purchase three sculling boats and associated equipment from Cork County Council’s Community Initiative Grant.

I have no doubt the grant will be invaluable to the club and will be put to good use. Maybe a current member of the club will be putting on the green jersey representing both Ring Rowing Club and Ireland at the next Olympics.

I really like their Facebook page which says: “Rowing is not just a sport. It’s a teacher of discipline and determination. It marries grace and power.” Doesn’t that just sum up all that is good about sport?

I was delighted to attend the launch of the BAM Cork City Sports 2022 which is back on the athletics calendar on Tuesday 05th July at the MTU stadium after a 2-year hiatus. The excitement was palpable in the air, to have the event back and with its newly secured World Athletics, Continental Tour Bronze status. I hope the public come out in their droves to support this event which is in its 69th year and very much part of the sporting history of Cork.

I am looking forward to meeting all the guests at the Midsummer Charity Ball on 10 June which I am hosting in aid of Breakthrough Cancer Research, West Cork Women Against Violence Project and the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Appeal for Cork County.

It will be a great networking opportunity and superb social event but above all else that it will raise much needed funds for the three very deserving charities which are close to my heart.