County Mayor's Diary
Cllr Frank O'Flynn
This week marks the start of the Easter holidays and my 10th month as the Mayor of the County of Cork.
My charity gala is fast approaching and there is still time to secure tickets before 19 April. The two causes I have chosen this year are the Blackwater Search and Recovery Unit and Cope Foundation’s locations in Fermoy and Mitchelstown. Visit the events section of CorkCoCo.ie to learn more.
I am excited to announce the opening of the County Cork Heritage Grant Scheme for 2024. The scheme seeks to recognise the unrivalled heritage of the county and the numerous groups who actively engage with their local heritage, protecting and promoting it for residents and visitors alike. Since the scheme commenced in 2021, 83 projects have been allocated funding of close to €100,000.
Funding allocated under the scheme has had a significant impact, facilitating the extraordinary efforts of local heritage groups in undertaking the most worthwhile of projects that benefit every one of us. Heritage is often taken for granted, but this grant scheme ensures that those who are passionate about the heritage of people and place in county Cork - past, present, and future - can be supported in their endeavours. I encourage local groups to apply under the scheme this year.
Recently I have also welcomed an investment of over €500,00 for Architectural Heritage Projects in Cork. This support was welcomed under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and Historic Structures Fund (HSF), two heritage funding schemes run by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in association with the country’s 31 local authorities.
This allocation of over €500,000 through the BHIS and HSF is a very welcome investment in the unrivalled built heritage of county Cork. These funds will facilitate important heritage conservation works at 22 different properties throughout the county. Through excellent heritage practice and schemes such as the BHIS and HSF, the built heritage of county Cork is clearly being valued and I wish all applicants success with their projects.
Lastly, I’m pleased to announce that the long-awaited reopening of Camden Fort Meagher will take place on Saturday 27 April. The fort closed to the public for the 2023 season to facilitate essential repair work to safeguard the structural integrity of Camden Fort Meagher for many years to come. These are exciting times for Crosshaven.
The establishment of Crosshaven GAA Club’s first girls football teams is a huge positive for the area. The advantages of sport cannot be emphasised enough, we are delighted that the girls’ teams will wear the Camden Fort Meagher logo as it nears its reopening date.
The extensive restoration works that have taken place during the fort's closure to the public will ensure that the fort will be enjoyed and survive for generations to come.