New Public Services Cards (PSCs)

I can sympathise with anyone who finds themselves in the position of needing social welfare support.  Many people have said to me that they intensely dislike having to receive same and feel terrible to have to do so.  However, I always tell them that they deserve support, who knows when any of us will find ourselves or loved ones in the same position.  The purpose of this new services card is to ensure that every penny goes to those who genuinely need it and deserve it. Continue reading »

Alcatraz masterplan for Spike Island to be unveiled.

The green shoots of hope are beginning to push through all the doom and gloom I think with a few small positives happening.  Locally, Council has plans for a new scheme to attract tourists which will hopefully create jobs in the near future.  A  masterplan to redevelop SpikeIsland into an attraction comparable to Alcatrazwill be unveiled this week.In July 2010, SpikeIsland, located off the Corkcoast, was handed over to Cork County Council on behalf of the Department of Justice by then minister for social protection Éamon O Cuiv. Continue reading »

Staffing Allocations at post-primary level

I understand that the Department of Education & Skills will shortly publish a circular outlining the staffing allocations for all post-primary schools and since I received quite a few representations in relation to such matters I set out some information which has come to hand.

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Children’s Referendum to be held this year.

The Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, confirmed yesterday (Thursday) that the Children’s Referendum will be held this year. The Minister said the Referendum will be a stand-alone one and will be dealt with in isolation. It will not be considered in tandem with other constitutional issues ensuring the issue is afforded the attention it deserves.

Political Funding

There has been some comment in relation to this matter and again more recently in the media.  I asked for clarification in relation to the Party’s situation.  (I as a Public Representative have and am more than willing to comply with the leglislation in relation to my own position and as you know we (all councillors) have to complete an Ethics declaration and Declaration of donations (if any) each year.)   Fine Gael meets and continues to meet all its legal obligations and is happy to do so.
The Party fully backs Minister Hogan’s proposals for reform in this area. (This is the critical part)
Fine Gael did not receive political donations above the limit set down for declaration.
In a typical year, corporate donations make up less than five per-cent of self-generated funding. This may increase in an election year.The Party’s primary sources of self-generated income are its annual draw, and member contributions. Combined, these account for in the region of 90 per-cent of self generated income.
All expenditure from State funding (Leaders’ Allowance & Party Fund/Oireachtas Grant) is vouched and fully audited.

Notice of Order Extinguishing a Public Right of Way

Council has today published Notice of Order Extinguishing the Public Right of Way at Bernie Spillane’s Laneway, Togher. Length of Laneway 258linear metres. Members of the public can object or otherwish make their view know by contact the council. Continue reading »

N28 Carr/s Hill Shannonpark Overlay Scheme/N28 Traffic Calming Scheme

At our recent Area Roads Committee for December and January we discussed the above issues and requested council correspond with the National Roads Office to obtain an update.  The situation is as follows, in relation to the Overlay scheme tenders have been received and assessed and a recommendation has been made to the NRA.  A decision is awaited from them.  In relation to the traffic calming scheme, given the volume of traffic the Projects Manager considers that, subject to funding, the N28 at both Shannonpark and Shanbally should be reassessed to optimise traffic flows. We, as councillors, have previously decided that the signalisation of the Shannon Park Roundabout wouldnt yield any benefits and refused sanction for same.

Luncheon in Bunnyconnelan, Myrtleville 8th March hosted by The Greater Chernobyl Cause

This morning we had the pleasure of meeting up with Fiona Corcoran Founder of the Greater Chernobyl Cause (021)4323276 and her friends in Bunnyconnelan (thanks for the coffee guys, so relaxing with terrific view).  On March the 8th The Greater Chernobyl Cause will mark International Women’s day by hosting a luncheon at Bunnyconnelan.  (see www.greaterchernobylcause.ie) Continue reading »

Public Lighting on the Rochestown to Passage West Cycleway

  In relation to the public lighting on the Rochestown to Passage West cycleway  the Engineer in charge of lighting gave the following report at our recent area roads meeting.  The current status is Airtricity have fixed most of the lights on this walkway.  There are currently 6 number lights not working.  The planned remedial works are|: the 6 lights have been damaged severely and repair works will include replacing electronic gear as well as the lanterns. Continue reading »

Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) to facilitate start-up of small businesses.

Coming from a small business background myself I fully appreciate and admire anyone who has the guts and nerve and self belief to start up a business.  What with the pressures of costs, taxes, marketing, red tape and tough financial markets it is a miracle that such people continue to have the persistence to keep going at huge personal stress to their families and themselves.  I believe creative thinking and these small enterprises will hugely help us out of our current difficulties.  I salute each and every one of you.  The new LEOs which are being set up to facilitate start-up of small businesses will, I hope, cut red tape and be pro active in helping such businesses to ‘arrive and thrive’ Continue reading »