Mayor's Diary

We have all had to make dramatic changes to our lives. However, this hasn’t stopped us from coming together against the spread of this virus.

People are stepping up to support friends, families and neighbours. Essential staff throughout the county bravely continue to provide vital services. Our frontline health and emergency staff are showing us the true meaning of heroism.

As Mayor of the County of Cork, I wish to extend my gratitude to everyone, because everyone has a role to play.

Whether you’re cocooning, self-isolating or social distancing, your actions are benefiting the country. Many of us will be separated from our families and loved ones this Easter. I know that this is hard, but we are doing this to protect the vulnerable in our communities and to help those at the front lines of our health service.

Cork County Council has partnered with a range of hard working agencies and volunteer groups in every corner of the county to establish Cork County Council’s Covid-19 Community Call Helpline. The council’s 200 fleet vehicles and drivers, operating from 19 new Community Support Hubs, are working together with local groups to ensure there is a team in every region, ready to respond to requests from vulnerable persons with their daily needs.

If you or someone you know is cocooning or self-isolating and needs help, perhaps collecting medication, fuel or food shopping, please take note of the contact information. Call the dedicated confidential free contact number on 1800-805819, operating every day from 8am-8pm. You can also send an email to covidsupport@corkcoco.ie or text 085-8709010. If you are abroad and want to seek help for family or friends, you can call +35321-4285517 from outside of Ireland.

This week sees the publication of our Teen Talks events online. These talks will provide extremely useful advice on looking after your physical and mental wellbeing during this time. These are not just for teenagers, and I encourage everyone to view them for some useful tips on getting through these challenging times.

Finally, to our front line medical and emergency staff, I am truly humbled by your work, dedication and sacrifice. As the father of a health professional, I’m all too familiar with the stress and the worry that you and your families face, but also the pride and the bravery you show. I want you to know that your community, your county and your country is behind you.

This Easter Saturday, the #ShineYourLight initiative invites us all to shine a light for healthcare workers, frontline staff, and people affected everywhere by Covid-19.

Cork County Council will be participating by lighting up County Hall as a symbol of our solidarity during this trying time which we will continue to show by social distancing and supporting our communities.

Stay home, stay safe.