Citizens Info marks a half-century of loyal service
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Kathleen Geaney Geaney and Marion Long, Citizens Information.Image 2 of 5
Niall Cremin, Ingrid Seim and Comdt. Des Connolly. A Civic Reception was held at City Hall Cork on 18 September to mark the 50th anniversary of the Citizens Information service in Cork.Image 3 of 5
Jossely Le Gall, Honorary Consul of France with Elaine Clifford, Citizens Information, at a Civic Reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy.Image 4 of 5
Front row: Ger Curtin, chair of South Munster Citizens Information; Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy and Elaine Clifford, Regional Manger, Citizens Information; Back row, from left: John Beausang; Yvonne Roynane, Andrew McCarthy, Katie Murphy and Ger Golden.Image 5 of 5
Staff and volunteers from Cork City Centre Citizens Information Centre. The event celebrated five decades of dedicated service to the people of Cork and Ireland through the provision of free, confidential, and impartial information, advice, and advocacy.Cork’s City Hall was the place to be recently as the Citizens Information service marked its 50th anniversary.
Hosted by the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Fergal Dennehy, the event celebrated five decades of helping the people of Cork and Ireland with free, confidential, and impartial information, advice, and advocacy.
The theme of the evening, Ours is a Story Still in the Making, reflected the service’s ongoing role in people’s lives. What began in the early 1970s as a grassroots effort to help people navigate complex State services has grown into a nationwide network.
In Cork, it started with the opening of the Cork Citizens Advice Bureau, led by Maureen Curtis-Black, then-president of the Cork Federation of Women’s Organisations.
Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy said: “Citizens Information has been a cornerstone of support for individuals and families across Cork for half a century. It has empowered people to understand their rights, access vital services, and navigate life’s challenges with dignity and confidence. The story of Citizens Information is not just one of the past it is one that continues to unfold, shaped by the needs of our communities and the dedication of those who serve them.”
Today, the South Munster Citizens Information Service runs 12 offices across Cork and Kerry, while there are 90 offices nationwide. Last year alone, more than 88,000 queries were answered, covering social welfare, employment, housing, and health.
With strong support from the Citizens Information Board and modern digital tools, the service continues to adapt to the needs of Ireland’s diverse population.
The civic reception was a fitting tribute to a service that has quietly transformed lives for 50 years – and shows no sign of slowing down.
This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.