County Mayor's Diary Cllr Joe Carroll

My heart goes out to everyone around the county that has been affected by Storm Éowyn and Storm Herminia.

Council crews were working over the weekend to ensure that priority national primary, national secondary, and most regional roads would be operational and free flowing. The council’s Emergency Line remains open on 021-4800048 to report any issues such as fallen trees and impassable terrain. I’m also urging everyone to visit our website at CorkCoCo.ie for regular updates on services and updates on council attractions and amenities will reopen.

That said, I have several council initiatives I want to discuss in this week’s column. The first one I would like to talk about is the Local Enhancement Programme 2025. Funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, the LEP allocation of €277,633 for county Cork will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities and to purchase equipment such as furniture, tools, signage, IT equipment, lawnmowers, canopies, and training equipment. The fund can also support non-pay running costs, for example, energy costs, rental/lease costs, or insurance bills.

We are proud to support community and voluntary groups who make valuable contributions to local communities in every corner of our county. Funding like this will help support groups carry out repairs and maintenance, improve their facilities, and help with daily operations. I encourage groups to consider applying to avail of this opportunity.

I’m proud to report that our Local Enterprise Offices supported fourteen of their clients at the International Showcase for Irish Craft and Design businesses at the RDS Dublin recently.

This year was the 50th anniversary of the tradeshow and allowed manufacturers, designers, and craft makers the opportunity to exhibit their collections to 3,500 buyers visiting from Ireland and overseas including Ireland, the UK, the USA, Mainland Europe and the Far East while generating sales orders of over €25.6 million during the three days of the show. Well done to all involved.

Lastly but not least, I would like to remind you that the Community Fund Scheme is back again this year with support of over €1.8 million available to enhance community engagement and facilities in 2025. I am continually inspired by the incredible work carried out by community groups under this scheme. The Community Fund supports a wide range of meaningful projects and initiatives each year, and I am proud to see this vital support continue in 2025. The deadline for applications is 4pm 14 February.