COMHAIRLE CONTAE CHORCAÍ
___________________________________________________________________
__
Minutes of Proceedings at Meeting of Cork County Council held in the Council Chamber,
County Hall, Cork on 27th July, 2015.
I LATHAIR
Comhairleoir J. P. Ó Sé, Méara Chontae
Comhairleoiri Mac Craith, Ó Laoghaire, Daltúin, Ní Fhúarthain, D. Ó Donnabháin,
Ni Dheasmhumhnaigh, Ó Cainte, S. Ó Coileán, M. Ó Murchú, Ó hEarchaí, R. Mhic Cárthaigh, Ó
Colmáin, Lombard, C. Ó Murchú, Ní Mhurchú-Uí Mhathúna, S. Ó Donnabháin, A. Ó
Muimhneacháin, Críod, Ó Gráda, Ó Luasaigh, Ó Riain Ó Conbhuí, P. Ó Suilleabháin, C.
MacCárthaigh, Ó Ceocháin, Sheppard, De Barra, Uí Chuileannáin, Rasmussen, N. Ó Coileán, A. Ó
Suilleabháin, Ó Buachalla, Ó hEigeartaigh, S. Mhic Cárthaigh, Léanacháin-Foghlú, N. MacCárthaigh,
C. Ó Caoimh, Ó Floinn, Ó Dúghaill, Mhic Dháibhí, J. Uí Mhurchú, MacGearailt, G. Ó Murchú, B. Ó
Muimhneacháin, Uí Mhaoláin, T. Ó Coileán, M. Ó Coileán, Ó Cearúill, Ó Donnabháin, C. Ó
Suilleabháin, P.G. Ó Murchú, Uí hEigeartaigh, Ó hAodha, Ó hUrthuile.
PRESENT
Councillor J. P. O’Shea, County Mayor presided.
Councillors McGrath, Ó Laoghaire, D’Alton, Forde, Ó Donnabháin, Desmond,
Canty, J. Collins, M. Murphy, Harris, R. McCarthy, Coleman, Lombard, K. Murphy, MurphyO’Mahony, J. O’Donovan, A. Moynihan, Creed, O’Grady, Lucey, Ryan, Conway, P. O’Sullivan, K.
McCarthy, Keohane, Sheppard, Barry, Cullinane, Rasmussen, N. Collins, A. O’Sullivan, Buckley, Ml.
Hegarty, S. McCarthy, Linehan-Foley, N. McCarthy, O’Keeffe, O’Flynn, Doyle, Dawson, J. Murphy,
Fitzgerald, G. Murphy, B. Moynihan, Mullane, T. Collins, M. Collins, Carroll, N. O’Donovan, C.
O’Sullivan, P.G. Murphy, Hegarty, Hayes, Hurley.
Chief Executive, Senior Executive Officer.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
1/7-2
Proposed by Councillor K. Murphy
Seconded by Councillor D. Canty
RESOLVED:
“That the minutes of meeting of the Council held on 13th July, 2015, be confirmed
and signed by the Mayor.”
Minjul2.15
Page 1
VOTES OF SYMPATHY
2/7-2
TO:
Denis Manning, Water Services, on the death of his mother, Martha.
STATUTORY BUSINESS
The following disposal notice was noted by Members.
DISPOSAL OF RIGHT OF WAY AT CAR PARK, BRIDGE STREET, SKIBBEREEN, CO.
CORK.
3(a)/7-2
In accordance with the provisions of Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, the disposal of
property as shown hereunder shall be carried out in accordance with the terms specified in the notice
issued to members dated 7th July, 2015.
DISPOSAL OF 1 ST. CARTHAGE PLACE, RINGASKIDDY, CO. CORK.
3(b)/7-2
DISPOSAL OF 1 BLOOMFIELD TERRACE, RINGASKIDDY, CO. CORK.
3(c)/7-2
DISPOSAL OF HOUSES AT GLEANN TUARIGH, YOUGHAL, CO. CORK.
3(d)/7-2
DISPOSAL OF 10, 15, 18 & 19 BEARNA DEARA, KILDORRERY, CO. CORK.
3(e)/7-2
DISPOSAL OF 115 PAIRC NA GCAPAILL, KILWORTH, CO. CORK.
3(f)/7-2
DISPOSAL OF HOUSES AT THE GREEN, TIR CLUAIN, MIDLETON, CO. CORK.
3(g)/7-2
DISPOSAL OF HOUSES AT KILLEAGH GARDENS, KILLEAGH, CO. CORK.
3(h)/7-2
DISPOSAL OF LAND AT LISSARDA, MACROOM, CO. CORK.
3(i)/7-2
DISPOSAL OF LAND AT BAWNLAHAN, UNION HALL, CO. CORK.
3(j)/7-2
GRANT OF WAYLEAVE AT BAWNLAHAN, UNION HALL, CO. CORK.
3(k)/7-2
DISPOSAL OF HOUSE AT BALLYKNOCK SOUTH, BALLYNOE, CO. CORK.
3(l)/7-2
DISPOSAL OF LAND SITE NO. 11 MITCHELSTOWN
COOLNANAVE, MITCHELSTOWN, CO. CORK.
INDUSTRIAL
PARK,
3(m)/7-2
Minjul2.15
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DISPOSAL OF 34 SPRINGMOUNT, KINSALE, CO. CORK.
3(n)/7-2
AMENDMENT TO DISPOSAL OF LAND AT 1 TINLEY PARK, MALLOW, CO. CORK.
3(o)/7-2
DRAFT MONARD STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT ZONE PLANNING SCHEME 2015
4/7-2
The Chief Executive advised that that this area of land was designated a Strategic Development Zone
by the Government in 2010 and forms part of CASP. He said that the future delivery of housing is
provided for in that Strategy and allows the City to grow and endeavours to rebalance the Cork Area.
He said that An Bord Pleanála’s refusal reasons included including densities, implementation
mechanisms and urban design etc.
The Chief Executive said that a location has been agreed with the NRA for a junction to serve Monard
and Kilbarry. The Northern Ring Road will happen but it will be in the future and is not an immediate
problem. He said that wider densities have now been provided for. Chapter 10 sets out development
of particular sections cannot take place until certain infrastructures are in place. He said that
significant amount of work has been put in to amending the design and that discussions have taken
place with the Department of Education regarding school sites and road layout.
The Chief Executive said that he is recommending to Members that the proposal would go to An Bord
Pleanála which would make it open for submissions and objections. He said the Scheme does not
require the approval of Council to come into force but he would strongly recommend that Council
would enable the Scheme to come into place. He said that certainty is needed for the planning of
government schemes and the need to support the Cork Region as a whole and that lack of uncertainty
and rejected proposals would put the Council in a difficult position. He said that the Scheme is
already provided for in the Council’s County Development Plan which provides protection for the
Green Belt area and a rejection of this proposal could lead to a situation of uncertainty for that Green
Belt area.
Mr. Nicholas Mansergh, Senior Planner, advised Members as follows:




This is a long term Scheme for 25 years and no permission will be given for something that is
not already provided for the in the Plan;
Developers will have flexibility with the densities;
Problems with congestion in Blackpool can be solved, people want to live on the north side of
the city and nowhere else is suitable;
All areas have issues with flooding and these can be resolved by writing in Flood Systems;
The main selling point is that there is an existing railway in use at the location that requires no
upgrading;
Councillor K. Conway read the following from concerned residents in the area:You will be aware that the above planning scheme is for discussion at the Cork County Council (“the
Council”) meeting on 27 July 2015 and you will have received the Chief Executive’s Report detailing
the submissions received. We, a group of residents in Monard, ask you to ensure that the democratic
process is observed and that there is a vote on this issue at the meeting. We urge you to carefully
consider the key issues set out below and to vote against this scheme. Our reasoning is as follows:
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An Bord Pleanála (“the Board”) rejected the scheme in 2013 on four points (PL 04G.ZD.2008). Their
four reasons were straightforward and, in our view, still stand:
1. “A lack of certainty in relation to essential elements underpinning the proposed planning scheme
which are not within the control of the applicant – in particular the delivery of future national road
infrastructure and operational rail links”. In a closing paragraph, the Board indicate “In the absence
of certainty regarding the future access to the Northern Ring Road, if delivered, the Board did not
consider that additional information on transportation patterns would be necessary for decision
making purposes.” When you read the submissions from the bodies involved (NRA, NTA, EPA,
Iarnród Éireann, Irish Water, Dept. of Education, etc.) you will note that, if anything, this situation
has become more complicated since the 2012 draft scheme. For example, the NRA will not permit an
access junction for the proposed Monard SDZ to the Northern Ring Road (itself a suspended
project).
2. “The planning scheme as proposed adopts a low density approach to urban development on a site
that requires significant public capital investment”. The Board essentially state that it is not economic
to develop at the density proposed. We assert that the density proposed, never mind anything greater,
is not compatible with a rural area, is untested in the local Cork housing market (and hence
represents a “risk” for potential developers), and, as stated in para 5.1.8 of the Monard SDZ Draft
Planning Scheme, will serve up potential social problems for the future.
3. “The topography of Monard represents a considerable challenge to the development in terms of
physical constraints, gradient, urban design and long-term management of the physical
infrastructure, including control of surface water run-off”. This topography has not changed since
2012! Remember that the County Council is on the hook for maintaining the magical SUDS system of
drainage that promises to restrict water run-off to pre-development rates! We hope it works for the
sake of the residents in Lower Monard and Blarney (which already flood anyway at times of severe
rainfall). All of the proposed run-off goes in this direction and climate change promises to exacerbate
these problems. Remember the 2010 floods?! See also the submission from Blackpool Flood Action
Group.
4. “The approach lacks coherence, definition, detail and would give rise to serious difficulties in
relation to universal access”. The 2015 draft is similar to the 2012 draft with the addition of
proposals for limited upgrades to local roads. One key point is that improvements are impossible at
intersections with the intercity Cork-Dublin rail line where narrow bridges at these points limit the
access for public transport. See also the submission from Cork City Council re congestion in
Blackpool.
Other relevant factors that we have examined in detail are:
A. The draft scheme proposes to wipe out 1000 acres of dairy farm land at a time when there is a
national drive to increase agricultural output and provide 10,000 additional jobs in this sector.
B. We appreciate that the authorities have to provide for future housing need. However, there are
brown field sites near the city which would be much more economical to develop. These areas
benefit from existing sustainable transport options (including potential rail), water and wastewater
infrastructure, utilities, etc.
C. The provision of a railway station at Blarney makes sense as there is an existing population and a
site for the station (with parking). Any business case assessment will attest to this. However, is it then
likely that a station would ever be provided at Monard, just 3 km distant on the busy Cork-Dublin
main line? Indeed, rail as a transport medium is over estimated in this context as Kent Station is not
convenient to serve most of the main employers in Cork City or CIT and UCC. In a city the size of
Minjul2.15
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Cork, bus transport is more likely to be appropriate and achievable. In particular, school bus
prioritisation would pay dividends.
D. Nearby Northpoint, Blarney, and Kilbarry Business Parks are largely unoccupied and hugely
under-developed. These sites have existing connections and dedicated entry/exits to the primary road
network. What is the wisdom in providing a competing commercial area a couple of km away in the
Monard SDZ?
E. Sewage from the proposed Monard SDZ would have to be pumped in perpetuity from a collection
point to the Carrigrennan treatment facility 20 km away in Little Island, Cork Harbour, itself a
protected natural area. The initial phase of the proposed plan to use the existing treatment plant at
Killeens is questionable both in terms of space capacity and current operational status.
F. Finally, over 200 local residents have made submissions objecting to the proposed scheme based
on common sense observations relating to flood risk, road congestion, environmental and ecological
issues, effects on tourism in Blarney, and school capacity, etc.
Councillor B. Ryan acknowledged the work put into the document by concerned residents and also
the work done by the Planning Department. He said there is a need for zoned land for housing in the
area but could not support the Monard template. He said that the land is not suitable and is too hilly
and is not cost effective. 5000 dwellings in Monard would add to an already congested Blackpool. He
said that pumping sewage from Monard to Little Island would not be cost effective. Excess water
would flow into Blarney, people of Blarney have not been properly consulted.
The Chief Executive said that the Scheme has gone through significant amount of detailed
assessment. The individual elements will always have to go through the planning process. The
position of the NRA is very clear that the Northern Ring Road continues to be a project that has their
support and the junction strategy is also acceptable to them. He said there will be significant level of
input from objectors if the Scheme goes to An Bórd Pleanála.
The Chief Executive said that is important to support what is already in the County Development Plan
in principle otherwise the Council’s own County Development Plan would be rejected, which came
into operation 6 months ago. It would also undermine other strategies and put significant doubt in
national level investment.
The Chief Executive said he would strongly recommend that Members would support the principle of
the County Development Plan and CASP so that the detail can be tested at An Bord Pleanála level.
Councillor C. Cullinane said that there is more to be debated about Monard and the people of the area
are not happy. She said that the decision should be suspended today as Members feel pressured.
The Chief Executive said that he could fully understand the position new Members were in when
adopting a new County Development Plan and that there was a lot to be understood. However, many
briefings and presentations were made to Members.
It was agreed that Party Leaders and the Mayor would meet with the Chief Executive on Floor 15 to
discuss the Scheme further.
The meeting was adjourned to 3.15 pm
The Mayor said that there has been significant discussion with Members of the Cobh and
Blarney/Macroom Municipal Districts and agreement has now been reached.
Minjul2.15
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On the proposal of Cllr. J.P. O’Shea, seconded by Cllr. C. Cullinane, the following addendum to the
proposal was agreed:The Council having considered the Draft Monard Planning Scheme and the Draft Monard
Contribution Scheme and, noting that many Members had reservations on the Scheme, that the
Council also includes a majority of Members who were elected for the first time in 2014 and who
were not previously involved in decisions on Monard and having regard to the issues raised by local
residents and others, the Council hereby resolves to not make a formal decision, so as to allow the
Scheme to be considered in greater detail and with greater rigour by An Bord Pleanala, and in order
not to undermine the Core Strategy of the County Development Plan, in the likely event of an appeal.
That discussions would continue with the Municipal Districts of Cobh and Blarney/Macroom with a
view to identifying any modifications to the Scheme which may be capable of being submitted to the
Oral Hearing without undermining the key principles of the Scheme and that local residents would be
afforded the opportunity to meet with the Scheme’s Senior Planner to assist in their understanding of
the details of the Scheme so as to facilitate their engagement with An Bord Pleanala.
The above mentioned process will include a full discussion at a Development Committee prior to an
Oral Hearing.
MANAGER’S REPORT UNDER SECTION 179, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT,
2000:
6/7-2
Proposed by Councillor A. Coleman
Seconded by Councillor F. O’Flynn
RESOLVED:
“Noting that in accordance with Article 179 of the Local Government (Planning and
Development) Act, 2000, notice of the proposed development was published, that no
submissions were received in respect of the proposal, approval pursuant to Article
179 of the said Act is given for the following:Clonmult Group Water Supply Scheme, Garrylaurence, Dungourney.”
REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS OF COMMITTEES
Corporate Policy Group:
CORK SUICIDE PREVENTION FORUM
7/7-2
Councillor K. Murphy proposed, seconded by Councillor M. Hegarty, that Councillor K. Dawson
would be nominated to the Cork Suicide Prevention Forum.
Councillor S. McGrath proposed, seconded by Councillor F. O’Flynn, that Councillor I. Doyle would
be nominated to the Cork Suicide Prevention Forum.
Minjul2.15
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Roads & Transportation SPC:
HEDGECUTTING POLICY
8/7-2
Proposed by Councillor D. J. Fitzgerald
Seconded by Councillor J. P. O’Shea
RESOLVED:
“That the Hedgecutting Policy would be hereby adopted.”
Ballincollig/Carrigaline Municipal District:
Northern Committee:
MANAGER’S REPORT UNDER SECTION 179, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT,
2000:
9/7-2
Proposed by Councillor A. Moynihan
Seconded by Councillor M. R. Desmond
RESOLVED:
“Noting that in accordance with Article 179 of the Local Government (Planning and
Development) Act, 2000, notice of the proposed development was published, that no
submissions were received in respect of the proposal, approval pursuant to Article
179 of the said Act is given for the following:Ballincollig Regional Park Extension and Walkway Proposal.”
REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS OF OFFICERS
QUARTERLY REPORT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE ON CORPORATE- FIRE AND
LIBRARY SERVICES
10/7-2
Members noted the report of the Chief Executive, which outlined as follows:Fire & Building Control Department Quarterly Report (01/04/2015 to 30/06/2015):
Fire Operations
Total number of turnouts to fires
Average of turnout times
Average of response times
% of calls with a response time of less than 10 minutes
% of calls with a response time of between 10 and 20 minutes
% of calls with a response time greater than 20 minutes
Minjul2.15
418
5 mins 18 secs
15 mins 19 secs
35.12%
43.70%
21.18%
Page 7
Total number of turnouts to non-fire emergencies
Average of turnout times
Average of response times
% of calls with a response time of less than 10 minutes
% of calls with a response time of less than 20 minutes
% of calls with a response time greater than 20 minutes
147
5 mins 52 secs
16 mins 12 secs
30.08%
54.13%
15.79%
Mr Alan Kelly, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government recently
announced details of new approvals under the Fire Services Capital Programme for 2015. The
Minister announced approval to 16 fire authorities to invite tenders for the purchase of 20 new fire
appliances under a new joint procurement programme. This programme will take three years to
complete at an estimated total cost of €6 million. Cork County Council Fire Department has agreed to
take on the role of Lead Authority in relation to the procurement of four appliances, one for Kerry
County Council and three for Cork County Council.
A new process between SIPTU and the LGMA/DECLG Officials to seek to address outstanding
concerns contained within the national policy document “Keeping Communities Safe” was initiated in
Quarter 2 of 2015. The process requires the parties to seek to identify the issues of concern and
facilitate reaching an agreement that is satisfactory to all parties. As a consequence of this
development implementation of initiatives set out in Cork County Council Fire Department’s Annual
Service Development Plan, in terms of meeting targets identified in “Keeping Communities Safe”,
have been put on hold awaiting the outcome of the process.
Fire Prevention
Number of Fire Safety Certificate applications received
Number of Fire Safety Certificate applications granted
85
72
The Fire and Building Control Department’s newly established Facebook page is attracting a lot of
interest. During Quarter 2 of this year our Facebook page was used to provide valuable Fire Safety
advice and information on Building Control and Fire Prevention matters, as well as providing an
insight into the Operational side of the Fire Service. In particular, the Fire Department’s Facebook
page was used to highlight the Fire Service’s involvement with Community Safety Week at Mizen
Head and the Civic Reception for Emergency Services in County Hall. The Facebook page was also
used to engage with other stakeholders in community fire safety projects.
The Fire Department’s programme of Community Fire Safety Presentations was continued through
visits to local schools and Day Care Centres, with the main focus during the months of May and June
being on the utilisation of our Chip Pan Demonstration Unit to highlight the danger of chip pan fires.
The Fire Department continued to seek and engage with local community groups to assist them in
providing free smoke alarms to the elderly/vulnerable in our community.
Cork County Council Fire Department continued to play a leading role in the Cork Wildfire
Cooperative which included giving presentations to farming organisations.
Building Control
Number of valid commencement notice submissions received
259
Number of Disability Access Certificate applications received
Number of Disability Access Certificate applications granted
65
42
Major Emergency Management
Minjul2.15
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Our Major Emergency Management Committee has put a full and comprehensive work programme in
place for implementation in 2015. The following is a brief synopsis of Major Emergency Management
work completed in this region during Q2 2015:
- External Emergency Plan finalised and approved for Calor Whitegate
- Preparation and Exercise of revised External Emergency Plan for Phillips66 Whitegate
Refinery May 18th 2015
- Draft EEP’s prepared/revised for:
- Carbon Chemicals, Ringaskiddy (exercise scheduled for September)
- Eli Lilly, Dunderrow, Kinsale (exercise scheduled for July)
- Post-Exercise meeting held & Exercise report prepared for:
GlaxoSmithKline, Currabinny
BASF, Little Island
- The Major Emergency Management Committee met on June 5th 2015
- A Crisis Management Team MEM Exercise has been scheduled for Nov. 25th 2015
- MEM Appraisal 2014 approved
- New COMAH Regulations (SI 209 of 2015) took effect on 1st June, 2015
- Emergency Traffic Management (ETM) Exercise, Ballincollig By-Pass, April 29th 2015
Civil Defence
The following activities were undertaken by the Cork North Civil Defence Unit during Q2 of 2015:
- Swiftwater Workshop in Roscrea on 18th April
- EMT CPC Day in Mallow on 25th April
- Missing Person Search Workshop in Garda College, Templemore on 06th May
- Provided First Aid/Ambulance support for the following events: Road Race, Doneraile;
Easter Monday Parade, Mallow; Cycle, Crosshaven; Cycle, Mallow; St Josephs Foundation
Spring Fair, Charleville; Road Race, Doneraile; Autograss, Kildorrery; Rally of the Lakes;
Darkness into Light, Mallow; Autograss, Kildorrery; Transfer HSE Patient from Youghal to
Dromahane; Ocean to City; Road Race, Liscarroll; Cork City Marathon; Ballyclough,
Walk; Pro-Drift, Millstreet; Support Blackwater Sub Aqua, Fermoy; RNLI Raft Race,
Crosshaven; Family Fun Day, Buttevant; Autograss, Kildorrery; Fermoy Regatta, Fermoy
The following activities were undertaken by the Cork West Civil Defence Unit during Q2 of 2015:
- Induction Training in Skibbereen for 8 new volunteers which included Manual Handling,
Radio Communications and H&S briefs
- Inter-Agency Emergency Medical Technician training weekend on Bere Island for Civil
Defence, Red Cross and Defence Forces personnel.
- Unit Exercise in Clonakilty with An Garda Siochana focusing on Missing Persons Search
techniques.
- Inter Agency exercise with Kerry Mountain Rescue Team in Killarney
- Radiation Monitoring training course in Civil Defence HQ in Roscrea
- Ambulance duty at community events and Rally of the Lakes Killarney
- Safety Boat duties at community regattas and championship rowing events
- Civil Defence Search Responders tasked by An Garda Síochaná to assist with missing person
search on Bandon River near Inishannon on June 1st.
The following activities were undertaken by the Cork South Civil Defence Unit during Q2 of 2015:
- Cork South Civil Defence was tasked with a missing person search in Inishannon on Monday
4th May 2015. The Gardaí and local Coastguard units were also involved. The missing person
was found safe and well.
- Cork South Civil Defence volunteers attended a powerboat training course. These volunteers
will assist with future boat duties (safety boats for community events and competitions) and
also any future search operations.
- A further group of volunteers completed the Swiftwater and Flood First Responder course.
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All three Civil Defence Units were represented at a Civic Reception hosted by the Mayor of Cork
County on June 25th.
Management of Health & Safety
In 2014 the Fire Department’s safety management system was accredited to the OHSAS 18001
(Occupational Health & Safety Assessment System) Standard by the National Standards Authority
Ireland. OHSAS 18001 is an internationally recognised standard for safety management systems. To
retain this award the Fire Department is required to demonstrate ongoing improvement of its safety
management system. In this regard, the Fire Department successfully underwent its first surveillance
audit in May of this year.
Quarterly report: Library and Arts Service
April-June 2015
Library Development Plan Progress
Poetry Wave
On the 7th May, National Poetry Day, Cork County Library created a poetry wave which started at
10am in Mitchelstown Library and ended at 5.15pm in Castletownbere Library, linking poetry lovers
from one end of the county to the other through libraries. An invitation was thrown open to all, library
members and non-members alike, to come to a participating library and read or recite a poem, be it a
favourite poem from some period in their lives or one they had written themselves, giving a brief
introduction as to why it was chosen and/or what it means to them. Over 300 people took part, and
participants included schoolchildren, adult library members, members of book clubs and writing
groups, the general public, library staff and published poets. The HQ event even included a member
of Cork County Council and a member of the Library Committee.
A poetry event began every half hour so that our libraries offered poetry on a continuous basis
throughout the day. The wave of poetry moved gradually through the county hitting Library HQ at
lunchtime. The following was the actual order of events:
10.00 am: Mitchelstown, 10.30am: Charleville, 11.00am: Kanturk, 11.30am: Mallow, 12.00: Fermoy,
12.30pm: Youghal, 1.00pm: HQ, Carrigrohane Road, 1.00pm: Sherkin, 1.30pm: Ballincollig, 2.00pm:
Bandon, 2.30pm: Passage West, 3.00pm: Dunmanway, 3.30pm: Clonakilty, 4.00pm: Skibbereen,
4.30pm: Bantry, 4.45pm: Castletownbere. Display of photographs on Sherkin.
The events were as significant for their individuality and diversity as for forming part of the
countywide wave. Youghal Library staff did an audio recording of their event, while Castletownbere
Library staff and members made a short video of their event, which is accessible on YouTube at the
following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGx8Y1ozjfg. Poems that were read on the day
ranged from original poems to “The Owl and the Pussycat” to a poem on Dáil Etiquette. The events
proved that the love of poetry is widespread, that poetry has a significant impact at some point in
everyone’s life. They also revived an appreciation of poetry as being a sociable and communal form
of literature that can be practiced by all, as well as being enjoyed privately. Far from being elite,
poetry is as elemental a form of expression as speech or song.
These events were delivered without a budget.
This meets a number of targets under Section 2.6, “Literature, Culture and the Arts”.
Lusitania Commemorations
The 7th May was also the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Lusitania, and the centenary was
marked by a day long programme of commemorative events in Cobh, the focus of which was the visit
by President Higgins. Cobh Library, in association with Cobh Museum, hosted three lectures,
scheduled to fit in before and after the main ceremonies in the middle of the day. The three lectures
were:
Minjul2.15
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“Síocháin Ainm Dé / And all her paths are peace: American Angels, Irish rescuers: the true story of
the Lusitania Peace Memorial 1925-1968,” by Giollamuire Ó Murchú;
“A Survivor’s Story: Margaret Haig Mackworth and the Sinking of the Lusitania,” by Professor
Angela John;
“Lusitania: Cork Harbour and the Underwater War, 1914-1918,” by Dr. John Borgonova.
All talks had capacity crowds, a mixture of tourists and locals, between 80-100 at each talk and
received extremely positive feedback.
This meets targets under Section 2.5, “Outreach and Partnership” and Section 2.7, “Local History,
Genealogy and Cultural Heritage”.
Year of Light
The second quarter was a very busy one for the Year of Light programme, with a particular
concentration of events in May.
Exhibitions
The CIT Nimbus exhibition has been on display in Mallow library and is now on display in Bandon
Library. This exhibition highlights various innovative projects and research carried out by the Nimbus
team. It is presented via board display and video. Concern Solar Exhibition includes solar lights and a
variety of posters highlighting the importance of solar lights in emergency or disaster locations. All
our branches and mobile libraries will continue to display this throughout the year. Tyndall Light
Beyond the Bulb exhibition begins in Carrigaline branch in July while a smaller 2 banner display is on
show in our smaller branches from the end of June: Blarney, Castletownbere, Ballyvourney, Blarney,
Kinsale, Millstreet, Newmarket, Oilean Chléire and Passage West. The Táin exhibition Shadows
thrown by the text, was launched in LHQ in May, see below.
Presentations and workshops
Blackrock Castle Observatory gave us fun workshops for children in Fermoy, Macroom,
Mitchelstown and Mallow and we were delighted to host the Cork Astronomy Club for lectures for
adults in Bandon, Mitchelstown, Midleton and Carrigaline libraries. Concern staff gave presentations
in Mallow and Millstreet Libraries and travelled with the West Cork mobile presenting to a variety of
schools on the mobile route.
During May, the Tyndall Institute gave presentations for transition year students highlighting the
importance of the STEM subjects and Tyndall also facilitated fun science for primary aged children in
Clonakilty, Glanmire, Kanturk and Fermoy libraries.
The vast majority of these events were delivered without a budget and the remainder involved token
expenses, which were covered by the Europe Direct Information Centre funding.
This meets a number of targets under Section 2.1, “Service Delivery” and Section 2.5, “Outreach and
Partnership”.
The Táin Exhibition and Tours
In May, the County Library and Arts Service secured a loan from the Arts Council of their collection
of Táin prints by Louis Le Brocquy, commissioned by Dolmen Press for their 1969 publication of
Thomas Kinsella’s translation of the epic Irish poem. The exhibition, entitled Shadows thrown by the
text, links into the Year of Light programme (see above) and was launched on 20th May by Ann
Davoren, Director of the West Cork Arts Centre, in the presence of Mayor Alan Coleman. It will run
until the end of July. An education programme was also developed around the exhibition, by Library
and Arts Office staff, and applications were invited from primary schools to enter a draw to visit the
County Hall campus on a school tour. The visits involved storytelling sessions by branch library staff,
an explanation of the exhibition by the Arts Officer, and a tour of the County Library and the County
Hall by library and arts HQ staff. A Mallow Library staff member extracted 3 simplified versions of
tales from MacUistin’s Táin, to match some of the images in the exhibition, and compiled booklets
for staff to use during storytelling sessions.
The education programme was delivered without a budget. Exhibition costs were limited to transport
of the artwork.
This meets targets under Section 2.1, “Service Delivery”, Section 2.3, “Staff Development”, Section
2.5, “Outreach and Partnership” and Section 2.6, “Literature, Culture and the Arts”.
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O’Donovan Rossa Exhibition
An exhibition on the life and work of O’Donovan Rossa, compiled by Reference and Local Studies
staff, was launched on 29th June at Skibbereen Library, as part of the Library’s contribution to the
O’Donovan Rossa Centenary commemorations. Launched by Gabriel Doherty of UCC, the exhibition
includes extracts from the O’Donovan Rossa Papers, held on microfilm in the County Library, and
covers his early and later years as well as the Fenian movement, prison literature, the life of his third
wife, Mary O’Donovan Rossa, and his legacy in Irish culture and townscapes. The exhibition will
move to Clonakilty Library during July. In addition to the exhibition, the Reference and Local Studies
Department has digitized its copy of the limited edition Souvenir Funeral Pamphlet published in 1915
for O’Donovan Rossa’s funeral: this is now accessible on the Library website.
In addition to the exhibition, a number of arts workshops for children based on the theme of the
Phoenix (a theme chosen due to O’Donovan Rossa’s connection with the Phoenix National Literary
Society), were held in 3 libraries in West Cork in April: Dunmanway, Skibbereen and Clonakilty. The
work produced by the children was taken away and assembled by the artists and the completed
installations will be returned to those libraries and put on permanent display. The artists involved
were Alison Cronin, Sue Montgomery and Caroline Byrne.
The research and design of the O’Donovan Rossa Exhibition was carried out in-house, as was the
digitization of the funeral pamphlet, delivering significant savings for the library.
This meets targets under Section 2.1.3, “Service delivery: online”, Section 2.6, “Literature, Culture
and the Arts” and Section 2.7, “Local History, Genealogy and Cultural Heritage”.
Bealtaine
To mark the national Bealtaine Arts Festival, in association with Age & Opportunity, Cork County
Library hosted over 80 events in 27 libraries throughout Cork county, with 25 professional artists
contracted throughout the month. This year’s programme was an exciting and innovative one packed
full of workshops, exhibitions, performances and talks. Some of the highlights were “The Music and
Pictures of World War I” which comprised of an hour-long music performance and a week-long
exhibition in Carrigaline Library. There was also some wonderful artwork to be seen, with local daycare centres and Senior Citizen Art groups exhibiting in libraries during Bealtaine. Vintage Jewellery,
Book Sculpture and Creative Writing were just some of the workshops people enjoyed during the
month. The Petersens, a bluegrass group visiting from Missouri, entertained audiences in North Cork
at our lunchtime concerts and Fil Campbell and Tom McFarland took packed houses of older people
on a trip down memory lane with their beautiful programme of “Songs From the Wireless.” This
year’s festival was a very successful one with all events being very well attended and enjoyed by all.
This meets targets under Section 2.5, “Outreach and Partnership” and Section 2.6, “Literature, Culture
and the Arts”.
Summer Reading Scheme
Each year, Cork County Library runs a Summer Reading Programme for children, in order to
maintain and enhance children’s literacy skills and enjoyment of reading over the summer months. In
2015, the library elected to take part in a national pilot programme, entitled Summer Reading
Adventure at your Library and publicity material marries the national logo and the local County
Council crest. Each participating child will get a reading card, where they will write in the book titles
they have read during the summer, each title being stamped by the library. At the end of the summer,
all participants will get a certificate of achievement and will be entered into a draw for a prize to be
sponsored by our book supplier. In keeping with the Year of Light (see above), all libraries will have
a black banner saying Light up your Library, and as the summer goes on, each participating child will
add a yellow sticker to it, with their name written on it, thus lighting up the banner. Optional activities
include book reviews.
By joining forces with a national scheme, savings were achieved on publicity materials, while
sponsorship of prizes is now part of the library book supply contract.
This is a specific target under Section 2.5, “Outreach and Partnership”, and also meets targets under
Section 2.1, “Service Delivery”.
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1916
Public consultations were held in five libraries throughout the month of June, as part of the national
programme of engagement with communities in advance of the 1916 commemorations. The libraries
in question were Clonakilty, Midleton, Fermoy, Macroom and Mallow. Sessions were mainly held in
the evenings, from 8pm on, and lasted on average 2 hours, with break-out sessions following a
presentation by a representative from the Ireland 2016 Project Office. The consultations, co-ordinated
by the Heritage Officer and the Chair of Cork County Council’s all-party committee on 1916,
produced some very interesting reflections and ideas, and the level and type of supports available to
communities from the County Council, including the Library service, were outlined for those in
attendance.
The County Library also produced a working draft of its programme of events for 1916, which were
submitted to the Heritage Officer, who is co-ordinating 1916 commemorations in Cork County
Council.
Holding these consultations in libraries saved the Council the costs of hiring rooms for the five
sessions.
This meets targets under Section 2.5, “Outreach and Partnership” and Section 2.7, “Local History,
Genealogy and Cultural Heritage”.
Library Partnership
The library partnership group is by now well-established and has already borne fruit, by facilitating a
co-operative approach to the implementation of a new Saturday rostering system. This system has not
only delivered more equitable access to Saturday leave, but has also facilitated the delivery of two
targets under the Development Plan, namely, a programme of staff exchanges between branches and
HQ, and a programme of in-house training. Phase 1 (HQ staff) was implemented in March and Phase
2 (branch staff) in April.
This meets targets under Section 2.1.1, “Service Delivery: the Branch Network” and Section 2.3,
“Staff Development”.
New book contracts
A competition was held during April and May by Cork County Library and Cork City Libraries for
the award of new book contracts with both services. The competition, managed by Cork County
Council, pooled the book funds of both library services to achieve better value for money, and both
the design of the RFT and the evaluation were undertaken as part of a shared process. Contracts have
been signed with the winning tenderers, both Irish companies, and will take effect from the 1st July.
Discounts achieved on the publishers’ recommended retail prices range from 30.5%-32.5%.
This meets a specific target under Section 2.4, “Collection Management and Development”, and also
meets targets under Sections 2.1, “Service Delivery” and Section 2.5, “Outreach and Partnership”.
PMDS
PMDS training for all library staff was completed in the second quarter in preparation for the further
roll-out of the system to Grades 4 and 3, and the vast majority of PDPs were also completed in the
second quarter. In-house training was organized by library management and staff, in response to
requests submitted in PDPs in 2014 and early 2015. Training was facilitated in areas such as
reference, local studies, genealogy, cataloguing, social media, desktop publishing and collection
development, by arranging cover in branches for the staff doing the training. Training programmes
were developed by staff with expertise in those areas. In addition, we organized a talk on stress
management with our HSE partners in the Your Good Self programme, which was open to all Council
staff as well as the general public. Refresher training on e-magazines was provided by the supplier of
the service.
All of this training was provided without a training budget.
This meets a number of specific targets under Section 2.3, “Staff Development”.
Health and Safety
Training was received by senior library management in the management of criminal investigations,
while office safety refresher training commenced for all library staff during the second quarter. Safety
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Tours of Inspection were completed on target for the second quarter. The Safety Advisors have
carried out Safety Audits in several branches, all with very positive results, indicating a high level of
commitment to the Council’s Safety Management System among the library staff. Safety Advisors
have advised on major contract work, window cleaning contract and the replacement of a door at
Mallow Library.
This meets targets under Section 2.1.1, “Service delivery: the branch network”.
Risk Register
An initial risk register for the library service was finalized in April, and updated in June, on the
request of Organisational Development. The risk register was compiled by analyzing the library’s
business plan for 2015, assessing risks to the completion of the targets within the plan, indicating any
measures being taken to mitigate those risks and scoring the risks on the basis of the likelihood and
potential impact.
While this is not a specific target in the Development Plan, it relates to the implementation of the
Business Plan, which is the annual process by which the Development Plan is delivered.
Consumer Satisfaction Survey
The Council has completed a consumer satisfaction survey and as a result is developing a
communications strategy for the organisation. The CPG will be kept updated on this matter.
VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS
18/7-2
TO:
Shanballymore GAA on their success in the County Junior B Hurling Championship
TO:
Killmeen GAA on their success in the Junior B Football Championship.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
19/7-2
Opening of Tenders:
The following tenders were opened at the meeting:
Housing Development at Oliver Plunkett Hill, Fermoy, Co. Cork – 6 no.
It was agreed that the remaining items on the Agenda would be deferred to the Council Meeting to
be held on 14th September, 2015.
This concluded the business of the Meeting
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