County Mayor's Diary Cllr Joe Carroll
There was great news for Crosshaven recently with the launch of the new Safe Route to School at Scoil Bhríde which is part of the national Safe Route to School Programme.
The new improvements included widened pathways, the installation of pencil bollards and a greater congregation space for parents, children, and guardians on Upper Road. A dedicated seating area, vibrant street art and planters further enhance the space. The updated design prioritises the safety of those who walk to school, reducing reliance on cars and promoting active travel.
I’m told that as much as 73% of students and staff live and reside within 1km of the school and we are delighted to provide a colourful and child friendly road design for the benefit of all residents of Crosshaven. A uniquely future orientated reflection of county Cork’s rich historical past is set to commence with the announcement that Cork County Council will develop a comprehensive guide to commemorations from 2025 to 2040.
This guide will become an essential tool for locals, visitors, historians, and cultural enthusiasts alike, offering a supportive resource for memorials, monuments, and commemorations throughout Cork for the next fifteen years. I am confident that this project will enrich County Cork’s commemorative and cultural legacy and will ensure that our commemorative landscape continues to inspire and educate future generations. I’m delighted to announce two opportunities for artists as part of the Creative Places: West Cork Islands programme. Creative Places West Cork Islands is an ambitious three-year culture-based community development programme for and about the West Cork islands.
Creative Places aims to connect with people, artists, and places, to allow ideas to develop into creative actions that are inspired by and enrich our island communities. From working with once-off workshops to arts festivals, and primary school pupils to active retired groups, the scope of this programme continues to be ambitious.
The Storyteller in Residence and Ocean & Environment commission will showcase the islands, their people and creativity on an international platform. Lastly, a new exhibition featuring the sculptures and paintings of Mallow based Japanese artist Seiko Hayase opens at our LHQ Gallery next week.
‘Heartbeat’ will run from Friday 18 October until Friday 15 November. Seiko’s art focuses on emotions and how they relate to the body.
A standout feature of the show is a large heart sculpture that invites the audience to participate in its healing by placing flower shaped band aids on it.
The exhibition also includes a series of paintings. Seiko, a talented Cork artist, brings a unique perspective that encourages us to see the world differently. She has also collaborated with local communities in Skibbereen and Mallow to craft small handmade clay hearts.