County Mayor's Diary

Cllr Frank O'Flynn

I am proud to say that Cork County Council marked its milestone 125th anniversary this past week with a day of commemoration starting with a special meeting of council where the echoes of history were highlighted as the 1899 minute book was proudly displayed.

The publication and exhibition illustrate the rich tapestry of our past, present and future, and makes for very interesting reading, looking at the photos when council meetings were held in the back portion of the top floor of Cork Courthouse and contrasting those photos with this morning’s meeting held in state-of-the-art facilities in the county chamber made for an interesting comparison.

I would like to let the public know that a Chief Executive’s Two-Year Progress Report on the implementation of the Cork County Development Plan has now been published and is available to view at CorkCoCo.ie. The plan was adopted by the elected members of Cork County Council on 25 April 2022.

It came into effect on 6 June 2022. The County Development Plan guides future growth and development in the county and sets out an approach centered on the core quality of life principles of sustainability, climate action, social inclusion, placemaking and resilience, with a focus on creating vibrant, livable, climate resilient communities.

Last week, I had the privilege to officially reopen one of county Cork’s most iconic tourist attractions, Camden Fort Meagher, following an extensive revitalisation and enhancement programme. The fort has undergone essential restoration on the casemate block which houses the primary exhibitions, and I am excited to say that these works have been shortlisted for the Irish Construction Excellence Awards 2024.

With this reopening, we are looking to further develop Camden Fort Meagher as a key tourist destination for Cork county in collaboration with other destinations including Spike Island, ensuring it becomes a must see stop along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Lastly, I would like to say that Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien have announced a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund 2024.

Cork County Council will receive an allocation of €2,014,691 under the fund. The Community Recognition Fund is a wonderful initiative that will benefit communities for years to come.

It will result in new community and cultural facilities like play areas, walkways parks, allotments, and recreation areas to name a few. I am encouraging community groups and sports clubs in towns and villages that have welcomed people from Ukraine and beyond to apply.

This initiative is separate in its objectives and scope to any other public funding streams which aim to support the development of public service needs arising from the considerable number of arrivals from other countries.