Latest news with #MoiraMurrell
Irish Examiner
17-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Cork council plans for major housing schemes may be scuppered by water and sewerage issues
Cork County Council is in talks with the national Land Development Agency (LDA) to purchase more land for urgently needed housing. However, it has been warned it could be restricted in several areas for building as Uisce Éireann is not supplying it with plans for water and sewerage upgrades in the region. Council chief executive Moira Murrell has flagged that the local authority is running out of its own landbanks and must acquire more land to build on by purchasing it from the private sector. She said the council needed to target 'big schemes' in the future. The council has appointed a senior member of management to review landbanks across the county and identify suitable sites for possible acquisition. In the meantime, it is to put out a call shortly to private developers to supply it with new "turnkey proposals". This is where developers propose building a number of houses and the local authority buys them when they are completed. The council said in a number of cases, big building projects would be dependent on having the necessary infrastructure in place. While it can provide infrastructure such as roads, footpaths and lighting, it is entirely dependent on Uisce Éireann to supply it with the necessary water and sewerage connections for such developments. Following a motion by Independent councillor Finbarr Harrington, the council wrote to Uisce Éireann some weeks ago asking that it allow private developers to carry out these works themselves and when the infrastructure was completed the utility then take it over. The council received a written reply from the utility which Mr Harrington described as 'not very clear' on the request. He also criticised Uisce Éireann for not coming to the table and telling the council what plans it had for major enhancement of its services in the region. 'We're trying to zone land for future housing where we don't know the current and future capacities [of water and wastewater]. We need a full report from them. There is no point us zoning land where can't build due to lack of infrastructure,' Mr Harrington said. Mayor of County Cork, Independent councillor Mary Linehan-Foley agreed with him and it was decided to write back to the utility again, asking it outline any planned upgrading of its existing systems and plans for new ones. Fianna Fáil councillor Deirdre O'Brien said developers were queuing up to build houses in Mitchelstown, but could not build them because the wastewater treatment plant is at capacity. Meanwhile, councillors have said while the local authority is building a lot of social housing, it must develop more affordable housing and cost-rental schemes and it needs to act quicker in repairing idle properties and renting them to new tenants. Fianna Fáil councillors Gobnait Moynihan and Patrick Gerard Murphy and Fine Gael councillor Anthony Barry said more affordable homes must be provided. They are given by the council at a discounted market value to people who earn too much to qualify for social housing, but too little to get a mortgage from a financial institution. Mr Murphy added 'a lot of stuff' was outside of the council's control and pointed out in the past, the Office of the Planning Regulator had shot down land zoned by the council for housing at a number of sites in the county.
Irish Independent
03-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Cork community groups funded to reduce single-use plastics
Cork County Council has awarded over €52,000 in funding to 23 community groups as part of its Circular Economy Fund. The fund, now in its second year, supports local communities to take actions that reuse, recycle, and minimise waste. This year there's a particular focus on reducing single-use plastics. The 2025 fund invited applications from schools, Tidy Towns groups, sports clubs, and festival organisers, encouraging innovative proposals on how to reduce plastic waste. A wide range of projects will be supported this year, including reusable cup schemes in the community, reusable container schemes for meals on wheels, and the installation of permanent water refill stations at sports grounds and in schools. Other projects include community centres using reusable crockery rather than single-use plastics, and the provision of water stations at events. The successful applicants include the Transition Town Kinsale voluntary group (reusable cup scheme), Millstreet Community School (installation of an internal water bottle filling station), and Ballymaloe Grainstore (reusable cups/containers). 'It is very encouraging to see so many communities across the county taking meaningful steps to address single-use plastics and embrace circular economy principles. These communities are spearheading change, and each action, whether big or small, has the potential to make a lasting impact,' said the Mayor of County Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley. 'We are proud to work closely with local groups who continue to demonstrate vision, determination, and leadership in environmental stewardship. Their efforts are vital to making Cork a more sustainable place to live, work, and visit,' said Moira Murrell, Chief Executive of Cork County Council.
The Irish Sun
23-06-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Families of Air India Flight 182 plane crash victims gather to mark 40th anniversary of tragedy in Cork
FAMILIES of some of the 329 victims of a plane crash off the Irish coast gathered to mark the 40th anniversary of the tragedy today. On June 23 1985, men, women and children died when Air India Flight 182 was brought down off the coast of 3 Air India Flight 182 crash victims' families gathered to mark the 40th anniversary Credit: Alison Miles/OSM 3 This year's ceremony marked a milestone Credit: Alison Miles/OSM The annual commemoration at the Ahakista Memorial serves as a solemn tribute to those who perished and as a reminder of the enduring bonds between Ireland, Canada and India. This year's ceremony, marking a milestone anniversary, began at the memorial monument with a minute of silence, followed by a moving tribute from the families of the victims through chanting and readings from Christian and Hindu representatives. Family members then laid wreaths alongside the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll, Taoiseach His Excellency Akhilesh Mishra, Indian Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Dennis King, Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development, Jerry Buttimer TD, Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York Bob Rae were also in attendance. Read more in News Speaking at the event, the Mayor Carroll said: "Today, we come together to remember those whose lives were so tragically cut short and to stand in solidarity with their families. "This memorial in Ahakista is a symbol of our community's commitment to honouring their memory and ensuring that their loss is never forgotten." Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: "Forty years on, we remember the 329 innocent lives lost in the skies above Ireland. "Today, we gather in solidarity with the families of those who were aboard Air India Flight 182. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN "While we are brought together in sadness on this occasion, we also recognise the deep bonds of friendship that have grown between our communities and nations." Cork County Council Chief Executive Moira Murrell added: 'Cork County Council is honoured to continue supporting this memorial, which holds such significance for families, friends, and communities on both sides of the Atlantic. 'HONOUR THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED' "Is le mothú domhain sollúntachta agus le machnaimh a dhéanaimid onóir dóibh siúd a fuair bás, agus dóibh siúd ar athraíodh a saol go deo ag an tragóid seo. Go bhfaighe siad síocháin agus sólás. (It is with a deep sense of solemnity and reflection that we honour those who have passed away, and those whose lives have been forever changed by this tragedy. May they find peace and comfort.)" The Air India Memorial at Ahakista continues to draw visitors from across the world, standing as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering the past while working towards a more peaceful future. 3 The Air India Memorial at Ahakista continues to draw visitors from across the world Credit: Alison Miles/OSM
Irish Independent
15-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Pics from Cork show a proud day for one community as its thriving Men's Shed is opened in style
Also in attendance were Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, Moira Murrell, CEO Cork County Council, Niall Healy, North Cork Divisional Manager, Cork County Council, Engineer Billy Dennehy, Minister Michael Moynihan, Leonora Kelly and Shane McHale representing IRD Duhallow. Cllr. Moynihan congratulated all involved in establishing the Shed, as well as the organisations that provided funding for the project. 'Sincere thanks also, to all those who do such great work around the village, and to those who promote the area. Everyone is deeply dedicated to community here,' he said. Paddy O'Connor, speaking on behalf of Kiskeam Development Association remarked that the Shed is 'an open door' for all the men who want to use it. 'Our aim was to develop a Men's Shed that would welcome people from all around Western Duhallow - Kiskeam, Ballydesmond, Cullen, Newmarket, Knocknagree and Rathmore, everyone is welcome. 'From the perspective of the Development Association, it was an absolute treat to work with such an enthusiastic group of people.' After cutting the ribbon and officially opening the Shed, Mayor of Cork County Cllr. Joe Carroll commended everyone involved in what he described as an exceptional project. 'I've met with so many communities all around the county and I've been hugely impressed by what they have achieved, but what you have here is exceptional, you can congratulate yourself. 'This is a marvellous day for Kiskeam, there is a fantastic community here. It's a great honour to be here today and what I'm seeing here is an inspiration to communities everywhere. 'To the people who use the Shed – I wish you great health, good conversation and plenty strong cups of tea! Thank you for inviting me,' the Mayor said. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Denis O'Mahony, speaking on behalf of the Men's Shed group outlined the progress of the project since it was first mooted two years ago. 'Kiskeam Development Association conducted a survey amongst members of the community in 2023. Following a positive response, the group organised an open night for those who might be interested in setting up a Men's Shed. 'Following the initial meeting, a committee was formed in November 2023. With generous donations from our local community fundraising, we sourced a shed from local suppliers ProSteel Suppliers which was erected during the summer of 2024 and subsequently opened in August 2024. 'We sourced tools and equipment from various partners and funding was secured from IRD Duhallow in August 2024. Since then, we have welcomed guest speakers on diverse topics such as Emergency Medical Response, Age Friendly Ireland, Social Welfare Financial Advice, Crime Prevention and Horticulture. The Men also hosted Open Evenings for the Bealtaine Festival and Culture Night. 'Going forward, our intention is to support good health and well being, support men's mental health, increase physical activities, facilitate workshops and collaborative projects within the community, and promote volunteering opportunities,' Denis said.
Irish Independent
01-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Cork community groups funded to keep fighting climate change through innovative projects
The funding will also go towards installing solar PV installations on community buildings across the county. The projects were selected as part of the Community Climate Action Programme for their capacity to engage communities and deliver measurable climate benefits, supporting national and local climate targets. The programme, developed and funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), aims to address climate change at a local level and support and empower communities to shape and build low carbon, sustainable communities to contribute to national climate and energy targets. 'These projects are a wonderful example of what local communities can achieve with the right support. They reflect the energy, commitment and innovation of communities across Cork County who are playing their part in taking climate action," said the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll. Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, added: 'Cork County Council is committed to supporting meaningful climate action and sustainability initiatives. These projects along with the projects funded under the previous call demonstrate what can be achieved through partnership with local communities. We will continue to work closely with local communities to drive forward our shared climate goals.' The eleven community groups in County Cork to receive the climate action funding are the Tiny Feet Fairy Garden in Macroom, Charleville Tidy Towns, Kiskeam Development Association, Mitchelstown Scout Group, Dromina Community Council, Araglen Carnival, Freemount Community Development Association, Lisgoold/Leamlara Community Council, Aghinagh GAA, Conna Community Council Housing for the Elderly Association CLG, and Newmarket GAA. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
