County Mayor's Diary

Cllr Danny Collins

The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.

That is how I feel about my recent trip to Chicago and New York. It was a very busy but productive schedule. The introduction of a Working Holiday Authorisation is very exciting. I believe it will provide an excellent opportunity for young people from the United States to experience our fantastic hospitality industry and promote cultural exchange. I am looking forward to seeing the benefits that this programme will bring to our region.

A range of other topics were covered during the trip including plans for future festivals and tourism promotion. The trip afforded the opportunity to build on the long partnership between Cork county and Cook County Illinois, which reflects the ongoing importance and long-standing relationships that exist between Ireland and the US.

Ireland will welcome US President Joe Biden next month and put our relationship up front and centre on the world stage.

Before I left for the States, I was present when Cork County Council took delivery of 2 electric compact sweepers. They were funded by the National Transport Authority and the CO2 savings are very impressive - 90% when compared to their diesel equivalents over their lifetime.

I was very interested to see them up close and have a good look at them, new machinery is always exciting to see in person. Look out for them in the Carrigaline Municipal District and the Cobh and East Cork Municipal Districts as they will be used to maintain the ever-expanding network of pedestrian and cycle routes. It’s a win every which way for sustainable practices in Cork county, both the machines themselves and safe accessible routes to encourage walking and cycling.

From the new to the old, Cork county is renowned for its heritage, built, natural and cultural, which brings me to the Cork County Commemorations Grant Scheme and the County Cork Heritage Grant Scheme 2023. The closing date is Tuesday 18 April so get those proposals and applications in. The scheme will support those who wish to ensure the appropriate commemoration of significant local events through a range of projects, from school projects and the restoration of important local memorials to documentaries and touring exhibitions.

This scheme is not just an investment in our past, but a vital investment in our future. By preserving and protecting our heritage, we are creating a legacy that will enrich the lives of future generations and ensure that the stories of our ancestors are not forgotten. In the past 2 years alone, these schemes have seen an investment of over €200,000 in heritage and commemorative projects by over 100 local groups and organisations.

I’ll be looking forward to seeing this year’s projects.