AS we stand on the threshold of 2024, my team and I look forward to continuing delivery of so many services to the people of County Cork.
The adoption of the Council’s budget of €458.3 million enables this and indicates the scale of the business we operate right across the county.
Key services critical to the wellbeing of all our communities received substantial increases, with housing and roads increasing by €18.4 million and €22.1 million, respectively.
We will also continue to focus on placemaking within our towns and villages, ensuring they are attractive places to live, work, visit and do business. This financial commitment underscores the Council’s dedication to providing essential services to our residents.
I am always struck by the dedication of our staff to the county they serve, and it is fitting to acknowledge this as they finish another year of great work. Looking ahead, Cork County Council has set an ambitious three-year capital investment programme of €1.5 billion, earmarked for infrastructure projects between 2024 and 2026.
The overall emphasis of this expenditure relates to housing provision, roads, environment, recreation and amenity and enhancing our towns and villages.
Our role as an enabler of economic development and climate adaptation remains a priority with a continued focus in these areas, all the while ensuring services are delivered as close to our citizens as possible.
In the wake of recent destructive storms that swept across the county, with East Cork particularly affected, the imperative to intensify our efforts in combating climate change has never been clearer. Ireland’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and a 51% reduction by 2030 underscores the urgency of our collective actions. We will continue to act as agents for the OPW (Office of Public Works) in the delivery of long-awaited flood relief schemes. We recognise that for the people and places affected by flooding, these cannot come soon enough, and we share that view. Despite the many complex elements required prior to construction of any flood relief scheme; the hidden work that precedes delivery, flood relief is a top priority.
Cork County Council is steadfast in its dedication to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and will use the €1.2 million allocation from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications to support the implementation of the Community Climate Action Programme, focusing on both immediate climate action initiatives and long-term educational and capacity building measures.
Looking ahead, the county council is finalising the draft Climate Action Plan, scheduled for adoption in January, 2024. This comprehensive plan will serve as a roadmap for enhancing climate resilience, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all Council services and infrastructure.
The journey to a sustainable and resilient future has begun but requires acceleration from the Council to lead the way in tackling climate change and continuing to foster environmentally conscious communities.
Our Housing Delivery Action Plan was launched in 2023, an ambition plan which sets out to deliver 3,198 social housing units and 682 affordable homes. The innovative plan ensures a diverse range of housing options to meet the evolving needs of our citizens. Projects are already well underway in several locations throughout the county. This Plan is not only paving the way for increased housing availability but also provides for continuous review to adapt to changing needs.
Holding the distinction of possessing the largest road network in the country, the development and renewal of roads is paramount. Investment in cycling and walking infrastructure remains a key focus, aligning with the recently signed €16 million contract for the M28 motorway connecting Rochestown with Ringaskiddy. This development, in line with government’s Project Ireland 2040 vision, not only promises enhanced safety but will also bring substantial economic benefits to the area.
The Council’s sustainable travel investment programme, funded by the NTA (National Transport Authority), binds together the key strands of development, transportation, climate action and placemaking. This programme provides high-quality and safe connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists between the towns within the harbour area while also providing a pedestrian and cycle network within these towns. Multiple interventions have also been delivered throughout the many towns and villages across the County. In 2023 alone €24.4m was invested in active travel infrastructure across the county under this programme.
During the past year, the Council completed the 6.5km section of fully segregated pedestrian and cycle route from Dunkettle to The Elm Tree. This includes the public parks and parking locations along the route for users. In addition, pedestrian and cycle infrastructure has been delivered in Carrigaline and Midleton. And of course, the Midleton to Youghal greenway will be taking another step closer to completion in 2024.
Our increased operational expenditure underscores our dedication to delivering essential services and fostering vibrant communities throughout County Cork.
Skibbereen town centre, as the initial Town Centres First pathfinder, will demonstrate how we can create a dynamic and appealing town for residents and visitors alike through collaboration. Skibbereen is the first of many town centre regeneration projects advancing across the county.
We will welcome a new Council to the Chamber following the local elections in mid-2024. We have been lucky to work with a progressive group of Elected Members for the past five years, effectively serving as our Board of Directors, and supportive of my teams as they brought forward a range of projects for the benefit of the people of County Cork. I would encourage the people of Cork County to make sure they check the register and ensure their details are correct.
2024 marks a significant milestone for Cork County Council, as it will exist for 125 years; a century and a quarter of dedicated service to the citizens and communities of County Cork. As we approach this historic anniversary, we reflect on our past achievements and look forward to continuing our mission of fostering a thriving and inclusive environment for all. There are exciting opportunities ahead, and we look forward to positioning Cork to take full advantage of them.
I am privileged, and very lucky to lead an exceptional team of people whose commitment and hard work ensure we achieve so much.
We deliver an incredibly vast range of services right to the heart of our communities, evidenced in Cork County Council awarded the Pride of Place award for ‘Council Community Engagement.’ From frontline services to administration and management, every staff member plays a vital role in delivering our shared goals. It is their diligence, public service mindset and desire to get things done that ensures the efficient performance of our functions and the delivery of quality services, and I am grateful to them every single day. There is a unique collegiality and shared purpose in Cork County Council because of its people and their pride in the fact that their job is to make County Cork a better place for everyone. Many of them work unsocial hours, responding to severe weather events, repairing roads, monitoring conditions, ensuring systems are working and preventing or solving problems so the rest of us can go about our daily lives safely. They are rarely acknowledged, and their work may not be visible, but without them we would surely feel the impact.
As we look forward to 2024 and beyond, I have more confidence than ever in our organisation, and in the communities we serve – residential, business, commercial, sporting, voluntary, artistic and industrial and all of the very active groups in between, who are our true partners in making County Cork the thriving place it is and will continue to be. These partnerships will, I have no doubt, help us to overcome challenges and build a strong future for the next generation. I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chief Executive of Cork County Council and look forward to working with you all to ensure the continued prosperity of County Cork.
I wish you and yours all the peace of joy of Christmas, and a very happy New Year.
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