Lord Mayor Column: Honoured to attend the sod turning at two developments
Taoiseach Micheál Martin turns the sod on a new Respond housing development that will deliver more than 600 social and cost rental homes in Cork city. Also included are Respond’s CEO Aoife Watters and Cairn Homes’ CEO Michael Stanley.
It has been a very mixed week, one filled with pride, progress, and no shortage of inspiration from every corner of our city.
I was honoured to attend the sod turnings for two major housing projects: The Railway Apartments and the Creamfields Development. Both developments are already well underway and together will deliver more than 800 much-needed new homes for Cork.
The Railway Apartments will transform a long-underutilised site into a vibrant residential community with modern, sustainable living at its core.
Creamfields, meanwhile, represents one of the most ambitious urban regeneration projects in recent years, bringing high-quality housing, green spaces, and community amenities to an area that has been waiting for renewal.
These projects are not just buildings; they are foundations for future families, future communities, and a stronger, more inclusive city.
Another highlight of the week was the announcement of a €125 million investment by Qualcomm, one of our key city-centre employers.
This expansion will see their workforce grow from 700 to 1,000 employees, reinforcing Cork’s reputation as a hub for innovation and high-value technology. It is a remarkable vote of confidence in our city’s talent, infrastructure, and future potential.
Karen, the Lady Mayoress, and I also had the pleasure of attending the Rebel Óg Annual Awards Banquet.
It was heartening to see so many young men and women from across the county being recognised for their dedication to GAA sports.
Their achievements are a testament not only to their own commitment but also to the tireless work of coaches, mentors, volunteers, and families who support them every step of the way. The spirit of community was palpable.
The Lord Mayor Councillor Fergal Dennehy makes a presentation to Rebel Óg April winners Coachford College, at the Rebel Óg awards annual dinner at the Clayton Hotel, Silversprings. Also included are Nicola Cullinane, brand marketing manager ‘The Echo’ and Norina O’Callaghan, director of sales and marketing, Clayton Hotel, Silversprings.
Sporting excellence continued at the Cork Boxing Fraternity Awards Breakfast, where I congratulated all the volunteers, coaches, and especially Mick O’Brien and Cork County Boxing for their extraordinary voluntary work with young people.
Their impact reaches far beyond the ring.
City Hall was buzzing this week as hundreds of students took part in the Davis College Model United Nations Conference.
I had the privilege of opening the event and listening to debates that were thoughtful, passionate, and impressively informed. The future of leadership is clearly bright.
Finally, I attended the long-service awards for council staff, including those marking 30 and 40 years of service and those that retired in recent times. Their dedication is the quiet backbone of our city’s daily life, and covers numerous activities. It was a privilege to honour them.
A snapshot of another incredible and full week, but one that reminds me how fortunate we are to serve such an extraordinary city.
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