Lord Mayor's column: Driving Cork towards a bright future 

I would like to begin by sincerely thanking everyone for the kindness, support, and warm welcome that Karen and I have received during the first six months of my mayoralty. It has been a tremendous honour to serve as Lord Mayor of Cork, and we are deeply grateful for the generosity and goodwill shown to us by people across the city.

As we begin the second half of the term, we very much look forward to meeting many more individuals, community groups, organisations, and volunteers over the coming months.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy, healthy, and peaceful new year.

The past number of weeks have been particularly busy, with the continuation of the long-standing tradition of the Lord Mayor’s Christmas visits. It was a privilege to visit Cork University Hospital, Cork University Maternity Hospital, the Mercy University Hospital, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Marymount Hospice, Bon Secours Hospital, and St Finbarr’s Hospital.

These visits are always humbling and serve as a powerful reminder of the dedication, professionalism, and compassion shown daily by our healthcare workers.

I also had the opportunity to meet the incredible teams working with the Simon Community, Cork Prison, Cuanalee, St Vincent’s Shelter, Edel House, Anglesea fire station and garda station, as well as Cork Penny Dinners.

Each of these organisations, and the people who power them, provide vital frontline services 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

Much of this work goes unseen, but it is always appreciated and never taken for granted. Their commitment to caring for the most vulnerable in our society represents the very best of Cork.

This week also saw the continuation of another proud tradition, now over 80-years-old, with the presentation of the 2026 lord mayoral car. 

I was delighted to receive a fully electric Ford Capri Premium from John Manning, market lead with Henry Ford & Son Ltd. This marks the fifth consecutive year that an electric vehicle has been provided to support the lord mayor’s duties, reflecting Cork’s commitment to sustainability. Ford has a long and proud history in Cork, and this partnership remains a strong symbol of that enduring relationship.

Looking back, 2025 was a good year for Cork, and there is a real sense of excitement and anticipation across the city. The addition of 68 new gardaí, combined with four new city centre wardens, has contributed to a greater sense of safety and reassurance for residents, workers, and visitors alike. The establishment of a new city council directorate focused specifically on the city centre will help ensure a coordinated and strategic approach to its future development.

Furthermore, the significant number of planning applications approved for housing and mixed-use developments throughout the city, along with positive progress on a long-awaited event centre, all point towards a city that is growing, confident, and optimistic.

Cork’s future is bright, and I look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to ensure our city continues to thrive for generations to come.