‘Remarkable opportunities lie ahead for Cork,’ says Cork County Council chief 

I was delighted to return to Cork County Council in June of this year, which coincided with the election of a new Council.

Remarkable growth and opportunities lie ahead for Cork, supported by the thriving ecosystem of businesses with strong foreign direct investment and a sound indigenous economy.

Economy

This growth is supported through the collaboration and partnerships that exists between both the County and City Councils; the third level partners; the IDA; Enterprise Ireland and other industry partners all working closely to drive economic development and plan for a sustainable future.

There are opportunities to deliver further for County Cork’s communities over the next 12 months. With infrastructure projects and increased delivery of housing, as well investment in roads and libraries, there is an increased focus on our towns, and villages.

Housing

The delivery of social and affordable housing continued in 2024 and is planned to increase further throughout 2025.

Over 800 allocations of social housing, to Council and approved housing body dwellings, were made during the past year.

More than 200 affordable houses have been or are being delivered across the county.

Infrastructure

Cork County Council is continuing to advance a range of strategic road infrastructural projects throughout the county. Significant progress has been achieved during 2024 in progressing the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy project.

This motorway is key to leveraging the economic and developmental potential of the county and the wider region.

The main works project has been tendered, and it is expected that a contract will be awarded in the new year, subject to approval by Government.

Projects that are being actively progressed at a strategic level include the N/M20 Cork to Limerick Road and the N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road.

The Council continues to progress projects such as the R624 Cobh Road, the N25 Killeagh and Castlemartyr bypasses, and various interventions throughout West Cork.

Works completed in 2024 include the N73 Annakisha major works scheme, as well as a range of pavement overlay projects throughout the county.

Work on the Eastern Metropolitan Active Travel Corridor continued, with connectivity between Dunkettle and Carrigtwohill substantially complete.

Active travel

Active travel measures continue to be advanced in Midleton, as well as the greater Carrigaline area.

Works are substantially complete for the entirety of the Midleton to Youghal Greenway, and all sections of this corridor have opened to the public in time for Christmas, 2024.

Local business

In December, Cork County Council’s Local Enterprise Offices celebrated a decade of empowering local business.

Since 2014, the LEOs in Cork North & West and South Cork have provided more than €13 million in financial support to small and medium enterprises in County Cork.

Achievements

There were other significant achievements throughout 2024, most notably the 125th anniversary of Cork County Council; the opening of Leabharlann Oileán Chléire; the reopening of the Briery Gap Theatre and Library in Macroom; and the reopening of Camden Fort Meagher in Crosshaven.

Tourism

The thriving tourism sector in County Cork supports a substantial number of jobs and boosts the local economy across the county.

Cork County Council will continue to work closely with our partners such as Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, and all local stakeholders to build and enhance the tourist facilities.

I wish at this time to acknowledge the commitment and public service demonstrated by the staff across Cork County Council.

Their commitment to the county and to the provision of services has been exceptional and it is important to acknowledge this as the year draws to a close.

I hope that you will use the Christmas and New Year break as an opportunity to explore what our wonderful county has to offer, go for a walk on one of our many beaches, trails, or greenways if the weather allows, and support your local businesses wherever possible.

They are the lifeblood of our towns and villages.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Agus séasúr na Nollag linn anois ba mhaith liom an deis a thapú chun Beannachtaí na Nollag a ghuí oraibh go léir agus guím gach rath agus séan ort san athbhliain.