Latest news with #JerryButtimer
Irish Independent
4 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.
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Funding announced for Sligo Folk Park autism friendly sensory garden and wheelchair accessible paths
Deputy Frank Feighan has welcomed the funding. 'Strong social enterprises are important for our local communities and play a crucial role in creating jobs, addressing social challenges, and fostering a more inclusive society, so I'm delighted to see this significant funding of the 5 social enterprises in Co. Sligo. 'The purpose of this fund is to provide capital grant supports to assist social enterprises across Ireland to achieve their social, environmental, or economic objectives.' Riverstown Enterprise Development (Sligo) Ltd. Sligo has been allocated €95,802.05 to fund the installation of wheelchair appropriate pathways throughout the park and install an autism friendly sensory garden to improve inclusivity for individuals with additional needs. County Sligo Heritage & Genealogy Society Sligo will receive €4,853.00 for improvements of ICT equipment to provide safety and sustainability of database. The €15,000 earmarked for Cherryswan CLG Sligo will be used to fund essential maintenance of the hall floor to ensure it is accessible for all users. Sligo Social Services Sligo is to receive €14,869 to fund the transition to reusable dishes for a meals on wheels service which will create energy and resource efficiencies to sustain the social enterprise by reducing expenditure and to reduce the impact on the environment in the provision of the meals on wheels service. Meanwhile, Ox Mountain Development Co. Ltd. Sligo will used the €13,775 allocated to fund the purchase of a compact oven to improve the menu to offer hot food options. 'We have all seen the invaluable work carried out by social enterprises across Sligo and I am delighted to see support for these vital organisations. 'In particular, I welcome funding for Riverstown Enterprise Development (Sligo) Ltd. throughout the community we know how hard they work, and this funding will go a long way to supporting them carry out their essential work. 'The funding announced will help encourage and sustain strong social enterprise in Co. Sligo the funding is clear evidence of Fine Gael and Minister Jerry Buttimer's commitment to supporting this important sector,' concluded Deputy Feighan. The funding has also been welcomed by Junior Minister Marian Harkin. She commended the range and vision of the projects supported in this round of funding, noting that they reflect the innovation and commitment of local social enterprises in addressing real community needs. She emphasised the importance of continued government investment in this sector, particularly given its strong track record of fostering social cohesion, generating local employment, and delivering services that otherwise might not be available in rural or disadvantaged areas. She added that this investment is aligned with the goals of the 'Trading for Impact' strategy, part of Ireland's second National Social Enterprise Policy, which was launched in July 2024. This policy sets out a clear vision to cultivate and sustain a vibrant social enterprise sector through actions that build awareness, promote growth, support the green transition, strengthen national and international engagement, and enhance impact measurement.
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Autism friendly sensory garden amongst projects grant aided in Sligo
Deputy Frank Feighan has welcomed the funding. 'Strong social enterprises are important for our local communities and play a crucial role in creating jobs, addressing social challenges, and fostering a more inclusive society, so I'm delighted to see this significant funding of the 5 social enterprises in Co. Sligo. 'The purpose of this fund is to provide capital grant supports to assist social enterprises across Ireland to achieve their social, environmental, or economic objectives. The full list of successful applicants are as follows, Riverstown Enterprise Development (Sligo) Ltd. Sligo €95,802.05 To fund the installation of wheelchair appropriate pathways throughout the park and install an Autism Friendly Sensory Garden to improve inclusivity for individuals with additional needs. County Sligo Heritage & Genealogy Society Sligo €4,853.00 – To fund improvements of ICT equipment to provide safety and sustainability of database. Cherryswan CLG Sligo €15,000.00 -To fund essential maintenance of the hall floor to ensure it is accessible for all users. Sligo Social Services Sligo – €14,869.00 To fund the transition to reusable dishes for a meals on wheels service which will create energy and resource efficiencies to sustain the social enterprise by reducing expenditure and to reduce the impact on the environment in the provision of the meals on wheels service. Ox Mountain Development Co. Ltd. Sligo €13,775.00 – To fund the purchase of a compact oven to improve the menu to offer hot food options. 'We have all seen the invaluable work carried out by social enterprises across Sligo and I am delighted to see support for these vital organisations. 'In particular, I welcome funding for Riverstown Enterprise Development (Sligo) Ltd. throughout the community we know how hard they work, and this funding will go a long way to supporting them carry out their essential work. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'The funding announced will help encourage and sustain strong social enterprise in Co. Sligo the funding is clear evidence of Fine Gael and Minister Jerry Buttimer's commitment to supporting this important sector,' concluded Deputy Feighan. The funding has also been welcomed by Junior Minister Marian Harkin. She commended the range and vision of the projects supported in this round of funding, noting that they reflect the innovation and commitment of local social enterprises in addressing real community needs. She emphasised the importance of continued government investment in this sector, particularly given its strong track record of fostering social cohesion, generating local employment, and delivering services that otherwise might not be available in rural or disadvantaged areas. She added that this investment is aligned with the goals of the 'Trading for Impact' strategy, part of Ireland's second National Social Enterprise Policy, which was launched in July 2024. This policy sets out a clear vision to cultivate and sustain a vibrant social enterprise sector through actions that build awareness, promote growth, support the green transition, strengthen national and international engagement, and enhance impact measurement.
Agriland
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Agriland
€1m in funding allocated to Men's Shed network
A funding package worth €1 million is being allocated by the government to support the work of the Men's Shed network across the country. The funding contribution for this year, together with funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht last year, will enable the Irish Men's Sheds Association to distribute up to €1 million in supports to their members. Grants of up to €3,000 are available to help with running and operational costs such as heating, utility and insurance bills. Funding The Irish Men's Sheds Association, which was formed in 2011, supports Ireland's network of 450 registered sheds. The Men's Shed movement originally started in Australia, which inspired their Irish counterparts to begin their own movement. The sheds offer men an opportunity to meet in a supportive, collaborative space, improve their health and wellbeing, and contribute to their communities. Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary said that the emergence of Men's Sheds has been a very positive development for communities across Ireland. 'Sheds all over Ireland help tackle isolation and provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment where men of all ages can come together to socialise, share skills and work on meaningful projects. 'I'm therefore delighted to announce this additional funding that will see the sheds that are members of the Irish Men's Sheds Association supported with grants of up to €3,000. 'This funding builds on funding of €1.8 million previously provided to support Men's Sheds, and just shows the long-term commitment to Men's Sheds from this government,' he said. Also announcing the funding, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer said: 'I am very familiar with the work of the Men's Sheds, and it is clear to me the great benefit they provide particularly in rural areas. 'Since I began as a Minister of State, I have visited many Men's Sheds across the country and listened to their concerns, ideas and suggestions,' he added.
The Journal
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Firm building the National Children's Hospital to sign €456m contract for Cork motorway this week
BAM CIVIL, THE construction firm that is currently building the National Children's Hospital in Dublin, will secure a €456m contract to build the Cork's newest motorway this week. The contract for the new M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway is expected to be signed on Thursday at 12.30pm in Cork. Taoiseach Micheál Martin, transport minister Darragh O'Brien and minister of state Jerry Buttimer will be in attendance. Construction work will begin shortly after on the new motorway. The project will see BAM construct the main 10-kilometre section of the motorway from the Bloomfield Interchange on the N40 South Ring Road to Barnahely, close to the Port of Cork. The project will replace the existing N28, which the government says is not capable of accommodating increasing traffic volumes in the region. The proposed M28 route from Cork City to Ringaskiddy. BAM Civil is currently constructing the National Children's Hospital in Dublin, a project that has faced significant political controversy due to escalating costs. The board overseeing the hospital's development accused BAM last year of having a 'complete disregard for sick children', while the relationship between the construction firm and the state is understood to have soured over the years due to delays. The company is also involved in the Cork Event Centre project, which, despite a groundbreaking ceremony in 2016 and €57 million in state aid, has yet to commence, with costs continuing to rise. The construction firm has also built the N25 New ross Bypass, which includes the award-winning Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge, and has built sections of the N11 and M11. In Dublin, the firm is currently building the Ongar to Barnhill road. 'Very anxious' A spokesperson for Jerry Buttimer, Cork TD and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, said, he is 'glad to see' that the government have now committed over €456m to the project. 'He has every faith that it will be delivered on time and in budget,' Buttimer's spokesperson added. 'We know all eyes are on BAM now to deliver the main body of the project efficiently. It is important for their reputation that they do.' Advertisement Cork South-Central TD Séamus McGrath similarly voiced support, telling The Journal that 'this long awaited project is finally going to get underway'. 'Bam will be the contractor, and I hope the project will proceed without any major issues,' McGrath added. The new project will upgrade the existing connection between the port of Cork and Cork city. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Fellow Cork native and Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said that people in Cork are 'very anxious' about the potential for cost overruns, and for significant delays in the delivery of the new motorway. 'It's difficult for me or for anyone for that matter to be sure it will be delivered on time and, particularly given this governments track record on various projects, on budget,' Ó Laoghaire said. He added that the M28 is a 'vitally important' piece of infrastructure, and said that Sinn Féin 'want to see it delivered'. 'Government and Transport Infrastructure Ireland need to outline what steps have been taken to ensure the tax payer is getting value for money, and that there will not be cost overruns,' he added. Pádraig Rice, Social Democrats TD for the area, told The Journal that progress on the motorway was welcome, but also added some doubt that it would be delivered on time and under-budget. 'Given the State's experience with the troubled development of the National Children's Hospital, I genuinely hope this project is not similarly beset with endless delays, and enormous cost overruns,' Rice said. Plans for the new motorway have faced stern opposition since they were first tabled in 2018. The M28 Steering Group – local residents who initiated High Court proceedings against the planning authority – claimed that the project violated Irish and European law. They focused particularly on the ecological importance of the flora and fauna along the route which would be destroyed to make way for the new road. In 2021, the group was informed by the High Court that their case would not be advanced to the Supreme Court, and that no appeal of the decision would be possible. Bam Civil declined to comment on the new motorway contract. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
