New publication set to explore the impact of natural disasters on Cork communities

Cork County Council is seeking submissions for an upcoming publication on the resilience of County Cork.

The aim of the publication is to explore the history and impact of extreme weather events and natural disasters on Cork. It will also show how societies have recovered and adapted, along with how memories of these events are part of our cultural heritage today.

This publication is the 13th instalment in the Heritage of County Cork publication series which is supported by the Heritage Council. A key element of each publication is the input from local groups and heritage enthusiasts.

Speaking about the upcoming publication, Mayor of the County of Cork, Mary Linehan Foley said: “From frozen rivers to deadly storms and from the Black Death to An Gorta Mór in the mid-19th century, this publication will remind us all of what the County of Cork has witnessed over the centuries, and what we in turn have learned.

“Heritage in this county is of the enduring kind but is also a two-way street. It requires us being kind to our heritage and not taking it for granted, as it can teach us what we need to know, in order to move forward with greater knowledge.”

Public submissions

She added: “Past publications in the Heritage of County Cork Series have benefited hugely from public submissions including photos, stories, and lists of recommended sites that should be featured.

“For the upcoming publication on the county’s resilient heritage, Cork County Council welcomes any submissions and suggestions and I encourage local groups and individuals to get involved.”

The publication seeks to revisit a selection of threats to the county’s heritage by extreme events and what we can learn from these challenges. This will span a period from the earliest records, right up to the recent past (late 20th century).

Journey

It will also take the reader on a journey through the county’s extreme event heritage and it also will feature 30 sites from around the county where this heritage can be investigated and remembered.

Local heritage societies, community groups, and individuals are invited to get involved in the project by submitting any information, stories and photos of interest to the Heritage Unit of Cork County Council by Monday, September 15.

The publication will seek to include as many references and submissions as possible.

Contact Cork County Council by email: corkheritage@corkcoco.ie or phone 021-428 5905.