Cork in a 'strong place' for 2025
Affordable homes, public safety, connectivity, and renewable energy are just some of the key priorities for Cork city and county as we look ahead to 2025.
This week, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle, told this newspaper he feels Cork city is in a “strong place” as we await the formation of the next government.
“Next year we will see a world that will be made more uncertain because of political changes,” added the Green Party councillor.
“Despite that, I feel Cork city is in a good place, confident in who we are and what we can achieve. The people of Cork help to make it so,” Cllr Boyle added.
Public safety in the city centre is a particular concern for the Lord Mayor.
He said: “Not everything is perfect or ideal, but many things are getting better. There has been a concern for public safety, especially in the city centre.
“In general, Cork is a safe place to be but when incidents occur that undermine confidence, we are grateful for the work of agencies like An Garda Síochána. Public safety is the key.”
County view
Chief Executive of Cork County Council Moira Murrell said the council is looking forward to a year that will see the continued delivery of the ambitious social and affordable housing programme.
She said the council aims to exceed its 2024 delivery of 800 tenancies in 2025.
Ms Murrell said the council also hopes to significantly advance a number of critical infrastructural and connectivity projects such as the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway.
“The main works project has been tendered and it is expected that a contract will be awarded in the New Year, subject to approval by Government,” said Ms Murrell.
She added that the N/M20 Cork to Limerick Road and the N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road are being progressed at a strategic level, while the council continues to progress projects such as the R624 Cobh Road, the N25 Killeagh, and Castlemartyr bypasses.
The continued focus on how Cork county’s towns and villages are presented will progress over 2025, the CE also confirmed.
She said: “Community projects including urban upgrade, town and village enhancement, and active travel projects continue to transform our county.”
Ms Murrell also spoke about the many different opportunities presented by renewable energy, tourism, SME growth, and indigenous and foreign direct investment.
“The establishment of the new Strategic Policy Committees and Local Community Development Committee structures by Cork County Council will set the ambition for the county from planning policy, infrastructural development, sustain-ability policy through to housing, coastal and community planning over the coming years,” said Ms Murrell.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll, said the council’s record €516m budget shows a shared ambition for growth and improvement.
“This investment is part of a renewed focus on enhancing the quality of life for residents in towns and villages across the county,” said Mayor Carroll.
“Expanded frontline services such as housing, road improvements, and library operations will be bolstered, ensuring that both urban and rural communities do not just survive, they thrive.”
A year in reflection
Looking back over the first portion of their respective terms, both city and county mayors reflected positively on 2024.
“Since taking office in June, I have been privileged to serve as your mayor during a period of vibrant achievement for Cork county,” said County Mayor, Cllr Carroll.
He continued: “Together, we have navigated challenges and celebrated milestones, all while laying the groundwork for a bright and promising future in 2025.
“I am proud of the cultural and community initiatives that have lifted our county’s spirit. The reopening of Macroom Library and the Briery Gap Theatre was a significant milestone in reviving vital cultural and civic spaces,” said the mayor.
On the international stage, Mayor Carroll said county Cork “shone brightly” as the recipient of the prestigious Asia Matters Award, recognising efforts to foster global connections.
Looking back over his term so far, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle, described the experience as the “biggest honour” of his public life.
The Lord Mayor said: “Whatever I thought the job would involve, it has been all that and many times more. It is a huge privilege to meet so many wonderful people doing great work within our city.
“I have had great joy in fulfilling some of the more traditional roles of the office such as the visits to 126 schools in the city. I was amazed and enthralled by every school I got to visit,” he added.
The Lord Mayor had special praise for the “amazing” work done by Cork City Libraries.
“Not only their traditional role of a place where people could take out books and indulge in the love of reading, but also the extraordinary role played as centres for the community in the many branches across the city,” he said.
“I’ve been particularly impressed with the role that Cork Sports Partnership plays in encouraging people to be active and involve themselves with many non-traditional sports,” he added.