Orla O'Leary officially takes seat as Sinn Féin's new Cork city councillor

Sinn Féin’s Orla O'Leary has been officially co-opted onto Cork City Council as the party’s new councillor for the South West Ward.

Councillor O’Leary officially took up her seat on Cork City Council at November’s sitting of Cork City Council on Monday evening following the recent resignation of Eolan Ryng.

A political activist since her teens, Ms O'Leary works in the public sector and lives on the Model Farm Road with her husband and baby daughter.

A graduate of University College Cork (UCC), she holds an honours degree in Government and a master's in Public Policy.

Speaking about her new role, she said: "I am determined to be a strong voice for workers, families and communities on Cork City Council.

"It's an honour to have the opportunity to represent people in the community where I live, the community in which my baby daughter will grow up.

I'm determined to hit the ground running and to make a real difference. I know the importance of delivering for people and making positive change in our community.

"As a young mother, I am very aware of the challenges faced by workers and families. The soaring cost of living is having a big impact right across the board and it's compounding the housing crisis. Too many people struggle to put a secure, affordable roof over their heads.

"We need to see a major ramping up in the delivery of affordable homes to buy and rent in Cork City. I believe Cork City Council can and must bring the urgency and pace that's necessary to fix the problem and give young families their chance at a better life and a good future.

"The very best thing about Cork City is the strength of our communities, that we genuinely look out for one another and want the best for each other. That spirit is thriving in the neighbourhoods like Bishopstown, Ballincollig, Togher, Glasheen and right across the South West Ward.

“You see it every day in the enthusiasm of local community, voluntary and sporting organisations in the area that are going from strength to strength. We should always respect, nurture and enhance this powerful community spirit.

Unfortunately, too frequently, communities feel they aren't listened to, especially when it comes to significant development projects. We need to see better consultation with local communities so that residents are included to have their say and shape the decisions that affect their lives.

She acknowledged the “serious shift” that has to be put in when given the responsibility of representing citizens in Cork city and said she believes in standing up for people and listening to differing views and perspectives, as well as standing her ground on the issues that matter to workers and families.

“That is the approach I'll take into City Hall. Delivery, getting the job done, that the Sinn Féin way. It's what motivates me because it's what people desperately need, and it's what they expect from those who represent them. I won't let them down,” she said.

Sinn Féin local area representative for Ballincollig Joe Lynch congratulated Ms O'Leary, saying she will be “a first-class representative for the South West Ward”.

"This is a very exciting time in politics across Cork City and across the country. Sinn Féin are ready to lead government, north and south, and we aspire to become the largest party in Cork City Council after next year's local elections,” he said.

"I have known Orla for many years, and I look forward to working with her in the time ahead to best serve the communities that make up the South West Ward; from Ballincollig to Togher."