County Mayor's Diary Cllr Joe Carroll
As my time as Mayor of the County of Cork draws to a close at the end of this month, I want to take a moment to thank the people of Cork county for their kindness, support and community spirit throughout the past year.
It has been a true honour to serve in this role and to witness first-hand the strength and pride that runs through our towns and villages.
During the past year, Cork County Council has continued to support communities through a wide range of initiatives. One example is our summer music programme, now in its eighth year, bringing live traditional and brass band performances to towns like Kinsale, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Bandon and Dunmanway. These free, family-friendly events showcase our vibrant local talent and attract visitors to enjoy the best of what West Cork has to offer.
In support of local enterprise, our Local Enterprise Office (LEO) roadshows are currently visiting towns across the county, giving business owners and entrepreneurs the chance to meet directly with LEO representatives. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, explore funding opportunities or connect with fellow entrepreneurs, these roadshows are a fantastic opportunity to get advice and support close to home.
Our commitment to sustainability has also remained strong. Through the National Food Waste Recycling Week, we’re encouraging everyone to become Brown Bin Champions and to help reduce contamination in food waste recycling. This initiative is helping to support Ireland’s transition to a circular economy, and every small action makes a big difference.
In housing, I was proud to officially open 13 new homes for older people in Charleville as part of our Capital Assistance Scheme, working in partnership with the Charleville Care Project. These high-quality units are more than just homes—they’re part of a wider commitment to help people age in place with dignity and independence.
Cork County Council has also launched a new toolkit to support organisers of festivals and events. This user-friendly guide covers everything from funding to safety and sustainability, and it’s just one more way the council is empowering communities to bring their ideas to life and celebrate local culture.
Finally, I want to mention our Summer Stars reading programme which has returned across all Cork county libraries. It’s a free and fun way to keepchildren reading during the summer months. With the help of our excellent library staff, we’re helping young readers discover the joy of books and build lifelong skills.
It has been a great privilege to serve as your Mayor. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together over the past year. As I step back from this role, I do so with deepgratitude and confidence in the continued success of Cork county. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.