Latest news with #CorkCountyCouncil
Irish Independent
a day ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Cork community groups funded to keep fighting climate change through innovative projects
The funding will also go towards installing solar PV installations on community buildings across the county. The projects were selected as part of the Community Climate Action Programme for their capacity to engage communities and deliver measurable climate benefits, supporting national and local climate targets. The programme, developed and funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), aims to address climate change at a local level and support and empower communities to shape and build low carbon, sustainable communities to contribute to national climate and energy targets. 'These projects are a wonderful example of what local communities can achieve with the right support. They reflect the energy, commitment and innovation of communities across Cork County who are playing their part in taking climate action," said the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll. Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, added: 'Cork County Council is committed to supporting meaningful climate action and sustainability initiatives. These projects along with the projects funded under the previous call demonstrate what can be achieved through partnership with local communities. We will continue to work closely with local communities to drive forward our shared climate goals.' The eleven community groups in County Cork to receive the climate action funding are the Tiny Feet Fairy Garden in Macroom, Charleville Tidy Towns, Kiskeam Development Association, Mitchelstown Scout Group, Dromina Community Council, Araglen Carnival, Freemount Community Development Association, Lisgoold/Leamlara Community Council, Aghinagh GAA, Conna Community Council Housing for the Elderly Association CLG, and Newmarket GAA. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Cork council to seek funding for free sunscreen in schools, libraries, and offices
Free sunscreen should be provided at all schools and public buildings to combat the rise of skin cancer and the likelihood it will increase with hotter weather due to climate change. Currently more than 11,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed every year and projections suggest that by 2045 they will more than double. On foot of these figures Cork County Council is to write to minister for health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill urging the government to provide sunscreen at all local authority offices, libraries, schools, third-level institutions, etc just like the roll-out of hand sanitisers during covid. The motion was proposed by Fine Gael councillor Aileen Browne, a healthcare worker, who said it would reduce the instances of skin cancer, which is now the most common cancer in Ireland. 'The financial argument is just as compelling. Treating advanced melanoma can cost our health service over €122,000 per case. Compare that to just over €4,000 for early-stage treatment. Prevention doesn't just save lives, it saves resources. It relieves pressure on an already overstretched health system,' Ms Browne said. She added that Irish people are vulnerable to the cancer because of fair skin. She said: And while clouds may block the warmth, they do not block UV rays. Your skin can burn, even when the sun is hidden. 'This motion supports Action Area One of the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan to improve awareness and promote behaviour change. It aligns with the Healthy Ireland framework and the National Cancer Strategy, both of which call for cross-sectoral collaboration to embed preventive measures in everyday life,' Ms Browne added. Social Democrats councillor Ann Bambury, a mother of four young children, said it makes sense in an increasingly warming climate and added that the government should remove VAT from it as sunscreen is currently classified as a cosmetic. Independent councillor Ben Dalton-O'Sullivan said the HSE implemented a pilot sunscreen dispensing system at Fountainstown beach last year and he had asked some of its officials to roll it out to all beaches in Co Cork this summer. He didn't say if they had responded favourably to his request yet. County council chief executive Moira Murrell said she would fully support any such initiative, and the local authority already provides sunscreen to its outdoor workers. The county council is also rolling out the provision of free menstrual products at its offices which will be available to both staff and the public. This is being done following a request from Fianna Fáil councillor Gobnait Moynihan. Her party colleague Gillian Coughlan, who chairs Cork ETB, said she has proposed to it that the same initiative is also undertaken in all schools in the region.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Good news for Cork book lovers in three key towns as library open hours expand to year-round service
The My Open Library service enables registered users to access a library from 8 am to 10 pm, 365 days a year, even when it's not staffed. The service was already available at Bandon and Fermoy libraries and Cork County Council has now rolled it out to three more locations with plans to add Mallow later in the year. Funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and Cork County Council, the My Open Library installation at Carrigaline, Kinsale, and Mallow Libraries has generated a 145% increase in the number of available service hours to the community at each location, rising from 40 hours to 98 hours per week. Speaking at the launch, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities and with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD, said: 'It is fantastic to see that the service is currently available in 23 of our 30 library authorities and I must praise our library authorities and library staff for being so progressive in meeting the needs of their communities. Our public libraries are a home-from-home for our elderly, our young people, and our new communities and now they will be able to avail of those services every day of the year, from morning till night.' Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, said: "The expansion is a strategic ambition for Cork County Council's Library & Arts Service which aims to improve access, use and visibility of the library as a community hub, and as a focal point for community and cultural development. The success of My Open Library is in the flexibility that it offers communities to visit their local library at a time that works for them. More than 50,000 visits have been made to Bandon and Fermoy libraries outside of regular library opening hours since 2022 with increased usage by students, remote workers, families, older adults and community groups.' The launch of the My Open Library service coincided with the opening of the newly refurbished Carrigaline Library. The upgrades include a young adult zone with relaxed seating, a remodelled children's area with more books and children's worktables for homework, crafts and games, and comfortable seating in the windows for reading and watching the world go by. The multifunction community meeting room can be booked for use during the day and in the evening during My Open Library hours. Bike racks have also been installed outside to facilitate sustainable travel. 'Libraries are at the heart of our towns and villages, providing so much more than books,' Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll said, adding: 'They are community hubs and safe spaces to study, learn and work. The newly refurbished Carrigaline Library is a bright, welcoming, modern, high-tech space that has a place for everyone." Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Major service launched across 12 beaches in popular Irish staycation spot amid ‘not advised' safety alert
A MAJOR service has been launched across 12 beaches in a popular Irish staycation spot amid a "not advised" safety alert. Lifeguards will officially return to duty on 12 of 2 Lifeguards will be returning to 12 of Cork's beaches this weekend Credit: AFP - Getty 2 And they will be there daily throughout July and August Credit: Alamy The service will operate from 10:30am to 7:00pm, offering supervision and support to Lifeguards will be on duty each weekend during June and will be there daily across July and August. The first two weekends of September will also be staffed. Taking to READ MORE IN TRAVEL They said: 'We are delighted to see our Beach Lifeguard teams resuming duty at 12 County Cork beaches this Saturday, 31st of May from 10:30am - 7:00pm. 'Our Beach Lifeguard service will operate each weekend in June, seven days a week in July and August, and the first two weekends in September.' The Additional beaches with lifeguards are Owenahincha, The Warren, Garrylucas, Garretstown, Tragumna and Barleycove. Most read in News Travel And visitors are now being warned to observe the Water Safety Flag system to ensure safe swimming practices. A red over yellow flag indicates that lifeguards are present and swimmers should stay between the flags. A red flag signals dangerous conditions, and entering the Black and white chequered flags designate zones for surfing only and are not intended for swimming. If there are no flags displayed, it means there is no lifeguard service available at that time. For more details check out the Cork County Council website at Meanwhile, two popular Irish beaches have issued urgent warnings advising beachgoers it is "unsafe for swimming". UNSAFE FOR SWIMMING Mayo County Council issued a warning on The council said: "A Do Not Swim notice has been issued for Clare Island "Resampling will take place and the notice remains in place until water quality improves." And In a post on "Coolmaine beach is considered unsafe for swimming and bathing due to the presence of estuarine channels and hazardous conditions, including currents, sudden changes in depth and deep water near the shore. "Whilst there is no change in the water quality of this beach no bathing water sampling will be conducted by Cork County Council, Environment Directorate for the 2025 season due to
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Irish Independent
Cork's lifeguards are back patrolling the beaches as bathing season gets underway
Corkman It's always a welcome sign that summer has arrived: County Cork's lifeguards will be back on the beaches this weekend in their distinctive yellow and red outfits, playing a vital role in keeping swimmers and paddlers safe. This year's bathing season kicks off for Cork County Council's Beach Lifeguard Teams on the June Bank Holiday Weekend with the guards on duty at 12 of the county's beaches from 10.30am until 7.00pm, starting on Saturday May 31. The lifeguarded beaches are Front Strand, Claycastle and Redbarn in Youghal, Garryvoe, Fountainstown, Inchydoney, Owenahincha, The Warren, Garrylucas, Garretstown, Tragumna and Barleycove. And when you're at the beach it's easy to know whether a lifeguard is on duty because you'll see a red and yellow flag. The lifeguards will be on duty each weekend in June, for seven days a week in July and August, and for the first two weekends in September. They're chosen after a competitive application process, including a swim rescue test, and the successful applicants need to hold a Beach Lifeguard Award from the Irish Water Safety Association and have thorough knowledge of resuscitation methods. It may not be quite as glamorous as "Baywatch" but in return for keeping Cork's busiest beaches safe they can earn close to €20 an hour. Last summer, the county's lifeguards reunited fifteen children with their parents. They're reminding parents and guardians that 'Holding Hands Saves Lives' and to supervise children at all times. They're also asking people not to bring inflatable toys to the beach this summer. Inflatable boats, beds and toys are unsafe to use on open water due to the strong and changeable winds we experience throughout most of the summer. Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll, welcomed the news: 'It is a reassuring sight to see lifeguards patrolling our beaches in County Cork. They are the experts when it comes to tides, weather conditions and the risks. I am encouraging everyone to enjoy our beaches safely this summer, we all have a part to play. Swim at lifeguarded beaches, pay attention to the flags, look out for one another, and listen to the lifeguards.' Beachgoers should also pay attention to the Water Safety Flag system. A red over yellow flag means the lifeguards are on duty. You should swim between the red and yellow flags close and parallel to the shore as this is the area that the lifeguards are patrolling. A red flag means that swimming is not advised and a black and white chequered one marks the area for surfing only. Finally, no flag means there's no lifeguard on duty at the moment. Now all we need is the good weather to continue! Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
