Latest news with #JoeLynch
Irish Independent
11-08-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Wreath laying ceremony to be held at the plaque of Cork Civil War patriot
The event is being organised by the Volunteer Patrick Burns Memorial committee. The current Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy will do the wreath laying, with local councillor Joe Lynch (Sinn Féin) chairing the event. Born in the Powdermills in 1879, Patrick Burns joined the IRA in 1916, remaining loyal to the Republican cause through to the Civil War. He was accidentally injured on August 10 1922 when Ballincollig Barracks was set alight by Republican forces withdrawing from Cork City. Unknown to his comrades, Patrick was asleep in the barracks after being on duty and was badly burned. He succumbed to his injuries in the Mercy Hospital on August 21 1922 and is buried in the Republican Plot at St Finbarr's Cemetery. A plaque to commemorate the Ballincollig patriot who died during the Civil War was unveiled at the village's East Gate last year. PRO of the Volunteer Patrick Burns Committee Pat Manning said: 'We feel it is important to remember a local man who dedicated his life to the freedom of his country. On the night we will also honour the memory of the previous chair of our committee Des O'Grady who sadly passed away earlier this year and was instrumental in getting the plaque erected.' A function will be held in Healy's Bar nearby afterwards where Upton balladeers The Paddy Bhoys will provide the entertainment starting at 8.30pm.
Irish Independent
10-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Housing boost for large Cork town as green light given for over 50 new social homes
Corkman Over 50 social homes are to be built in Ballincollig after members of Cork City Council voted to approve a Part Eight report for the development. The proposed development at Innishmore in Ballincollig will comprise 56 new homes, ranging from 4-bed to 1-bed properties at the former site of Topps sweet factory. The plan was approved at Monday's Cork City Council full council meeting. Sinn Féin councillor for Cork City South West, Joe Lynch has welcomed the approval of a new 56 home residential development in Ballincollig, which will be named 'Innishmore Gardens'. 'Bringing this site in the heart of my own community into use is something I have been working on from day one of being elected to Cork City Council. Situated in Innishmore where I grew up and where I still live, I very much welcome that the members of the City Council have now approved this development.' Cllr Lynch said the new development will provide 56 badly needed new homes for workers and families in Ballincollig. 'The number one priority of the Council, given the current housing crisis, must be the delivery of additional housing. Having engaged extensively with neighbours, residents and other stakeholders over the past number of months with regards this proposal, I know there is work to be done to ensure the development delivers real gain for the community - new and old - but I am up for the task. Building homes is one thing, but building communities is another.' "That works starts with the development's name,' said Cllr Lynch. 'I am delighted that my proposal to name the development Innishmore Gardens has been approved -ensuring both continuity with the old, but with an eye to the future as we work to make this new development an integral part of our community in Innishmore."
Extra.ie
09-06-2025
- Business
- Extra.ie
Army veterans hit out at Aer Lingus over 'ruthless and insulting' refund ordeal
A group of Irish Army veterans has accused Aer Lingus of being 'heartless, ruthless and insulting' as they continue to battle for compensation after their flight from Berlin to Dublin was cancelled due to stormy weather. The Veterans Club of Ireland says its members are being given the 'runaround' by the former State airline over outstanding fees for accommodation, food and taxis which amount to just over €5,000, since last October. According to its spokesman Joe Lynch: 'This is an appalling way to treat former members of the Army and their spouses, people who gave their lives for this country. Treated as a nuisance: The Veterans Club of Ireland. Pic: Supplied 'I have spent over 40 hours – a full week's work – on the phones with customer service staff in Aer Lingus and I'm being treated as a nuisance. It's quite clear to me they would prefer if I would just give up and went away.' The dispute between the Veterans Club of Ireland and Aer Lingus broke out after 22 members, including partners, flew to Berlin for a cultural trip last October. The visit was organised so they could view well known historical landmarks including the remains of the Berlin Wall, the Reichstag Parliament and the East/West crossing point from the communist era 'Checkpoint Charlie'. Aer Lingus, ATR, leaving Dublin airport. Pic: Shutterstock However, while the group were there, Aer Lingus said the return flight had been cancelled due to 'Storm Ashley'. The club, which is based in Drogheda, said Aer Lingus informed them they would have to secure their own accommodation and pay for their own food and taxis. They were told they would be reimbursed upon submitting receipts. But that is not how things worked out, according to Mr Lynch. 'We submitted our expenditure receipts and noticed that Aer Lingus was in no rush to honour them. 'There then began a series of phone calls which, in some cases, I was left holding on the line for up to two hours. In some cases, Aer Lingus customer service staff put down the phone on me. People queuing at the Aer Lingus check in desks at Terminal 2 Dublin. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos 'One of their excuses being used is that they are refusing to pay out on hand-written receipts for taxi fares. 'This was not stated in previous correspondence. They are making us feel that we are trying to obtain the money we are owed by false pretences.' Mr Lynch said the group is owed around €5,000 with individual reimbursements ranging from €350 to €600. 'Ten claims of the 15 submitted allowing for spouses, remain to be settled. This is most upsetting for people who are senior citizens, people who always viewed the former State airline as one of Ireland's great institutions,' he said. Dublin Airport, Aer Lingus check-in area. Pic: Shutterstock FF Senator Alison Comyn, who has worked with the veterans' group before, said: 'I have long known the amazing work carried out by Joe and the other volunteers with the Veterans Club and I am really shocked to think that a lot of their members are still out of pocket nearly eight months after Aer Lingus agreed they are due compensation and refunds. 'I have contacted Aer Lingus and the relevant Government department on their behalf and am hopeful of a swift resolution to this, as these men and women have given their service to their country and community. 'The work of the Veterans Club of Ireland is vital in preserving the dignity, well-being, and camaraderie of former members of the Irish Defence Forces, and I hate to think they are not being treated fairly and with the respect they are due.' An Aer Lingus spokesman said the issue was being looked at and it hoped to shortly resolve the matter. The Veterans Club of Ireland was established in 2018 for former members of the Defence Forces to assist with the mental and physical well-being of ex-servicemen and women and their respective families. It also promotes awareness of the contribution of Defence Forces personnel to Irish society.
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Cork boundary changes have left this town without promised fire service for over three years
Sinn Féin councillor for Cork City South West, Joe Lynch said the forthcoming publication of the Cork City Fire Cover Review must deliver an operational fire station for Ballincollig which has now been shut since November 2021. In response to a recent Council motion on the publication of the review, Cork City Council management stated that the Fire Cover Review will be published in late May or early June at the latest. Senior management within the local authority also confirmed that the review will assess how to provide the most effective and efficient fire service to the people of Cork, including those in the extended boundary area. Cllr Lynch said the people of Ballincollig have been 'denied' the service they were initially promised when the boundaries were withdrawn. 'It is now three and a half years since the doors of Ballincollig fire station were shut. Throughout that time, we in Ballincollig have been denied the service we were promised when the city boundaries were redrawn. Since my election I have consistently raised the continued closure of our local fire station.' Cllr Lynch reiterated that the logical thing to do is to re-open the existing fire station in Ballincollig with full-time personnel. 'The forthcoming Fire Cover Review, which Council management now say will be published imminently following months of delay is, we are told, going to set out how Cork City Council is going to provide the most effective and efficient fire service for the people of Cork; including in the expanded city area. "Within a city with changing needs and more residential development happening in the South West of the city than any other part, it makes absolute sense to re-open the fire station in Ballincollig with full-time personnel; given there is already a station building in-situ,' he added. 'The men and women of Cork City Fire Brigade work day-in, day-out, to keep citizens and communities safe across the city,' said Cllr Lynch. 'This review will play a major role in shaping the service they work in and the service they provide to us all, over the coming years. I eagerly await its publication."
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Operational fire station needed for Cork town
Sinn Féin councillor for Cork City South West, Joe Lynch said the forthcoming publication of the Cork City Fire Cover Review must deliver an operational fire station for Ballincollig which has now been shut since November 2021. In response to a recent Council motion on the publication of the review, Cork City Council management stated that the Fire Cover Review will be published in late May or early June at the latest. Senior management within the local authority also confirmed that the review will assess how to provide the most effective and efficient fire service to the people of Cork, including those in the extended boundary area. Cllr Lynch said the people of Ballincollig have been 'denied' the service they were initially promised when the boundaries were withdrawn. 'It is now three and a half years since the doors of Ballincollig fire station were shut. Throughout that time, we in Ballincollig have been denied the service we were promised when the city boundaries were redrawn. Since my election I have consistently raised the continued closure of our local fire station.' Cllr Lynch reiterated that the logical thing to do is to re-open the existing fire station in Ballincollig with full-time personnel. 'The forthcoming Fire Cover Review, which Council management now say will be published imminently following months of delay is, we are told, going to set out how Cork City Council is going to provide the most effective and efficient fire service for the people of Cork; including in the expanded city area. "Within a city with changing needs and more residential development happening in the South West of the city than any other part, it makes absolute sense to re-open the fire station in Ballincollig with full-time personnel; given there is already a station building in-situ,' he added. 'The men and women of Cork City Fire Brigade work day-in, day-out, to keep citizens and communities safe across the city,' said Cllr Lynch. 'This review will play a major role in shaping the service they work in and the service they provide to us all, over the coming years. I eagerly await its publication."
