County Mayor column: Town Centre First Plan could be transformative for Kanturk

SEACHTAIN na Gaeilge is upon us, a festival that celebrates the Irish language at all levels.

Even if you are a complete beginner, or are a little rusty, I encourage you to use a cúpla focal this week. For example, say “go raibh maith agat” instead of “Thank You,” “Le do thoil” instead of “Please”, “Slán” instead of “Goodbye.” Bainfimid trial as. You never know you might find yourself using it more.

I have several important events and initiatives I want to discuss in this week’s column. 

Launch of new housing scheme 

Starting with our housing department, the council is delighted to announce the launch of the Affordable Housing Scheme in Fermoy.

The development at Rathealy Close offers high-quality, affordable homes that more than meet the needs of the modern family. The new homes are priced well below market value and are in a town that has so much to offer. Applications for the new three-bed houses at Rathealy Close, Fermoy will open at noon on Tuesday, March 19.

Kanturk has been announced as one of 26 towns nationally to benefit from a Town Centre First Plan. Funding of €30,000 has been granted to Cork County Council for the development of the plan as part of the Government’s national Town Centre First Policy initiative.

I am delighted that Kanturk is set to benefit from this fund. Town Centre First Plans give the community an opportunity to shape their town’s future. It can contain proposals for a diverse range of projects such as redeveloping derelict sites, creating community parks and walkways, boosting business and tourism potential, and protecting historical landmarks. This has the potential to be truly transformative, paving the way for newly revitalised town centres, thriving communities and economic growth for generations to come.

International Women's Day 

The council was also delighted to have hosted a series of events to mark International Women’s Day yesterday.

This year’s theme was “Inspire Inclusion” and is particularly reflective of the council’s work to ensure our services are inclusive and welcoming to all, such as our libraries being awarded Age Friendly status. Do not forget to get involved this year and to check out your local library branch for details of events and booking details or email corkcountylibrary@corkcoco.ie.

Greenway milestone

In other news I am pleased to announce that a significant milestone has been reached in the development of the West Cork Greenway, with the appointment of RPS Consulting Engineers as technical advisors to progress a further 40km section of the greenway, including Crossbarry to Bandon, Bandon to Clonakilty and another section to Timoleague. Funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the €2.8million contract offers an opportunity to develop a plan for safe, scenic, off-road routes that will connect communities with a convenient and enjoyable means of travel.

Our Library and Arts Service has announced that Passage West and Cobh libraries will host special guest world-renowned UK-based storyteller Taffy Thomas on Wednesday, March 13. Thomas will first visit Passage West Library at 11am, followed by an event in Cobh Library at 2pm. Both events are free to the public and no booking is required. Stories are for everyone, they help us to connect and share memories and experiences.

We are honoured to have world-renowned storyteller Taffy Thomas visit two of our libraries, where he will share stories that will open another world to the audience.

Enterprising youths 

Lastly, our Local Enterprise Office Cork North and West has announced that teenage entrepreneurs from Patrician Academy will represent North Cork at this year’s Student Enterprise Programme National Final.

We have a successful student enterprise programme here in North Cork with over 700 students from 14 local schools taking part this year.

Our national finalists are excellent ambassadors for the programme, and we wish them the best of luck. What our students are learning from the programme is that with the right support and encouragement, they can take an idea from the classroom and develop it into a real-life business.