The Lord Mayor’s energy is firmly fixed on Cork city

Since his inauguration on 20 June, Fianna Fáil Councillor Fergal Dennehy has had just one day off as Cork’s new Lord Mayor — and he remembers every minute of it.

“On that day, I got a haircut, called my dad, delivered papers, and cooked dinner.”

Still, he takes it in stride, noting he’ll have “plenty of time to recharge” once his 12 month term is complete.

For now, his energy is firmly fixed on Cork. One of his greatest joys is the chance to visit more than 130 schools across the city, just as the Lord Mayor once visited his own classroom when he was a boy. “It was impactful,” he recalls. Now, he hopes to inspire the next generation — maybe even a future lord mayor of Cork.

In his office, Cllr Dennehy proudly displays the chain of office.

“It’s 238 years old — older than the English Market!” he said, joking that the Mayor’s security officer’s real job is not protecting him, “but minding the chain”.

The role runs in the family. His father, John Dennehy, served as lord mayor from 1983 to 1984, in a very different Cork.

“No social media, no mobile phones. We had a landline and, eventually, an answering machine,” he recalls — a revolution at the time.

Another figure keeps watch over him too - Mother Jones. Her portrait, presented at this year’s festival, now rests on a window directly opposite his desk. “She’s looking straight at me,” he said with a smile, admitting it adds a little pressure to deliver his best.

The Lord Mayor’s office may be steeped in history, but Cllr Dennehy’s focus is firmly on the challenges and opportunities of today — and on shaping Cork’s future.

Q+A

Cork Independent reporter Liudmyla Bortok sat down with him to talk about the changes already transforming the city.

What do you hope to achieve during your term as Mayor, and how do you see the future of Cork in five years?

"As a harbour for ships, I want Cork to be a city that welcomes everyone – our citizens, visitors, and tourists.

"So far, we’ve announced city centre-based wardens operating soon within the city. They’ll be boots on the ground, assisting tourists but also acting as the eyes and ears on the street. We’ve also allocated 20 new gardaí to Cork City. That will certainly help in terms of making our city safer.

"Traditionally, public buildings are open only on Heritage Day or Culture Night, but I want to extend that. I’m conscious that we have 1,600 people working in City Hall, and probably 1,500 of them have never seen the Council Chamber. “We’ve started tours for staff and families, and I’ll extend that to community groups from all over the city – northside, southside, east, and west.”

He added: “One of my objectives was to have this building—the civic headquarters of our city—open to the people of Cork. It’s your City Hall, not mine. Since 20 June (his inauguration day), hundreds of people have come to view the Council Chamber and other historic parts of this beautiful building. I intend to continue doing that for the remaining 10 months of my tenure because it brings a sense of closeness to local democracy. Many people read reports in the paper, but coming in and experiencing history firsthand is something every Cork citizen should be proud of.”

Would you ever consider becoming a TD?

“I’ve always seen myself as a community activist. From the age of 12, I was involved in community work – handing out newsletters, helping in local projects. Later, I set up the Togher Boxing Club in 2013. To see small initiatives change lives is very appealing. Right now, my focus is on this role. I have no desire to change that. This year, I am fully committed to being Lord Mayor.”

And if people encouraged you towards a political career?

"I’m happy staying local. Community work is in my DNA," he added.

Cork is becoming known for its festivals. Can you tell us more?

"In one weekend, I actually opened four festivals within 24 hours, which was incredible. As our summer festivals come to an end, I’m honoured to launch our jazz festival, which sees 100,000 people come to the city. We also have Culture Night on the 19th of this month, with over 90 venues open. Then there’s Christmas and our culinary festivals, which showcase the incredible skills of our food producers, chefs, and hospitality teams. Bringing all of that together creates employment and a sense of community. Cork is becoming the culinary capital of Ireland.”

He added: "There’s been a lot of public realm development too. For example, Bishop Lucey Park is under construction. Once open, it will be a place for all. Transformations like McCurtain Street show how public spaces can change our city. People are now sitting outdoors in the evening, enjoying restaurants, similar to Spain or France. It’s fantastic to see.”

As for the Docklands, he said: "The Docklands are huge. We’re already looking at 6,000 new jobs there. In June, we passed Variation 2 of our Docklands Development Plan, which will set the way for billions of euros of investment – jobs, services, facilities, and much-needed housing.

“The scale of this project is large, and it’s going to make a real difference. The development down at the Marina is already a beautiful place for people to walk, and from there to Blackrock Village, it’s exactly the kind of city I want to see: aesthetically pleasing and welcoming."

Housing

“Housing has always been a central issue in Cork. If you speak to older generations, it’s always been a difficulty," he said.

“I’m happy that Cork City Council last year hit 106% of our target, among the top three nationally. We take housing seriously. Sometimes, as local representatives, we have to make decisions that may not be popular. In my own area, we’re looking at a development of 150 houses, mixed tenure—social and affordable. We also have a new scheme at Glenmore Heights, Lehenaghmore.

"We’re doing the best we can in providing houses. If we look at recent planning applications granted in Cork, it’s huge. That may not reflect by the end of this year, but certainly into the next year you’ll see a considerable number of new homes."

He added: "At city council, we aim to provide every type of housing, including step-down housing, which is right-sizing: moving people from older, larger homes to modern apartments. For example, in Hawkes Road, a lady in a three-bedroom social house in Bishopstown moved into an incredible two-bedroom apartment.

"We also provide affordable housing schemesthroughout the city. It’s about balance: social, affordable, cost rental. Local authorities in the past focused only on social housing, leading to some areas being synonymous with excess social

housing.”

Possible injection centre

"An injection centre alone won’t solve the addiction problem. We need to address causes and support people out of addiction. We need an integrated services approach. Homelessness is often a by-product of addiction, untreated trauma, and mental health issues.

“We’re bringing agencies together—homeless agencies, HSE, City Council, gardaí—to work collaboratively. Housing is a key solution."

City businesses

The Lord Mayor said traders have welcomed the additional gardaí and city centre wardens.

"We’re also forming a City Centre Directorate and committee to plan the city centre’s future. Businesses tell me trade is good. Costs are a challenge – wages, materials, energy – but there’s optimism.

“They can see developments happening – Bishop Lucey Park, McCurtain Street, the Marina, flood defences. That gives them confidence. More people coming into the city means more business."

"We previously used the term 'Cork City Rising'. Things are changing, and it’s wonderful to witness. I’m extremely proud to be part of it, and being in the position of Mayor to see it all happening live in front of me is just incredible," he concluded.