COMHAIRLE CONTAE CHORCAÍ
______________________________________________________________
_______
Minutes of Proceedings at Meeting of Cork County Council held in the Council
Chamber, County Hall, Cork on 23rd February, 2015.
I LATHAIR
Comhairleoir A. Ó Colmáin, 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, 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, Ó Sé, MacGearailt, G. Ó
Murchú, B. Ó Muimhneacháin, Uí Mhaoláin, T. Ó Coileán, M. Ó Coileán, Ó Cearúill, C. Ó
Suilleabháin, P.G. Ó Murchú, Uí hEigeartaigh, Ó hAodha, Ó hUrthuile.
PRESENT
Councillor A. Coleman, County Mayor presided.
Councillors McGrath, Ó Laoghaire, D’Alton, Forde, Ó Donnabháin,
Desmond, Canty, J. Collins, M. Murphy, Harris, R. McCarthy, Lombard, K. Murphy,
Murphy-O’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, O’Shea, Fitzgerald, G. Murphy, B. Moynihan, Mullane, T. Collins,
M. Collins, Carroll, C. O’Sullivan, P.G. Murphy, Hegarty, Hayes, Hurley.
Chief Executive, Senior Executive Officer, Mr. A. Weir, S/Director of Services, Mr. L.
Duffy, Director of Services.
On the proposal of Cllr. K. Murphy, seconded by Cllr. A. Buckley, it was agreed to allow
TG4 film proceedings in the Council Chamber.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
1/2-2
Proposed by Councillor D. Canty
Seconded by Councillor T. Collins
RESOLVED:
Minfeb2.15
1
“That the minutes of meeting of the Council held on 9th February, 2015, be
confirmed and signed by the Mayor.”
VOTES OF SYMPATHY
2/2-2
TO:
Cllr. Alan Coleman, Mayor, on the death of his brother-in-law, Michael Downing.
STATUTORY BUSINESS
The following disposal notice was noted by Members.
DISPOSAL OF LAND AT
CHARLEVILLE, CO. CORK.
LOVE
LANE,
RATHGOGGAN
MIDDLE,
3(a)/2-2
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 6th February, 2015.
DISPOSAL OF 56 LARCHFIELD RISE, YEW WOOD, CORK HILL, YOUGHAL,
CO. CORK.
3(b)/2-2
DISPOSAL OF 34 THE CLOISTERS, ARD CASHEL, WATERGRASSHILL, CO.
CORK.
3(b)/2-2
REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF OFFICERS
NATIONAL ROAD GRANT ALLOCATIONS 2015
4/2-2
The Members were circulated with a Report setting out details of the 2015 National Roads
Allocations, as issued by the National Roads Authority, amounting to €16,710,591. The
allocation represents an increase on the 2014 allocation of €12,174,146.
The principal elements of the allocation are:

Major Schemes category: Allocations have been made for the N22 Ballyvourney /
Macroom Bypasses towards the cost of land acquisition and the N28 Ringaskiddy to Cork
in order to advance the CPO and EIS.

Pavement & Minor Works: An allocation of €3,650,000 has been made for National
Primary Roads, namely N20 Buttevant Streets and pavement strengthening on the N25 in
Killeagh and Castlemartyr. An allocation of €3,150,000 has been made for National
Secondary Roads on the N72 near Mallow & Fermoy.
While there is no allocation for the N71, the design of the Owenahincha – Newmills
realignment scheme has commenced. Further surveying is to be carried out shortly and
hopefully the scheme may attract funding later this year.
Minfeb2.15
2

National Roads Office: A support grant for this office in the amount of €1,818,000 has
been made, which will sustain current staffing levels in that office.

Maintenance Allocations: An allocation of €1,592,591 has been made for maintenance
which is broadly similar to the 2014 allocation.

Bridge Rehabilitations: An allocation of €300,000 has been made and details will be
available later in the year.
National Primary
Route
22
28
Name
Ballyvourney to Macroom (bypasses Macroom)
Ringaskiddy/Cork
Pavement and Minor Works
20
Buttevant Streets
25
Castlemartyr East Pavement Strengthening
25
Killeagh Village Pavement Strengthening
Allocation
5,000,000
1,200,000
1,750,000
700,000
1,200,000
National Secondary
Pavement and Minor Works
72
Carrig to Ballygriffin Pavement Strengthening
72
Killetra Pavement Strengthening
72
Lacknamona to Carrig Pavement Strengthening
72
Templenoe Pavement Strengthening
800,000
800,000
800,000
750,000
Both NP & NS
Bridge Rehabilitation
Cork Bridge Rehabilitations 2015
300,000
LA Eng Support – B.1.1.
NRO Support (Improvement) 2015 CC
TOTAL IMPROVEMENT ALLOCATIONS: 15,118,000
1,818,000
Maintenance
NP Ordinary Maintenance 2015 CC
NP Route Lighting 2015 CC
NP Winter Maintenance 2015 CC
368,175
192,900
155,000
National Secondary
NS Ordinary Maintenance 2015 CC
NS Route Lighting 2015 CC
NS Winter Maintenance 2015 CC
449,793
124,723
175,000
LA Eng Support – B.1.2
Local Authority Support (Maintenance) 2015 CC
Local Authority Support (Winter Maintenance) 2015 CC
117,000
10,000
TOTAL MAINTENANCE ALLOCATIONS: 1,592,591
REGIONAL AND LOCAL ROAD GRANT ALLOCATIONS 2015
Minfeb2.15
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5/2-2
The members were circulated with a Report setting out details of the 2015 Regional & Local
Roads Allocations, as issued by the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport on 3 rd
February amounting to €32,213,276. A further €5,616,315 is assigned from the Self Fund of
the Local Property Tax bringing the total to €37,829,591. The allocation represents a 1.3%
reduction on the initial 2014 allocation of €38,338,039 (including Town Council allocations).
However, a further allocation of €1,262,308 for Community Involvement Schemes was
granted in May 2014 and it has now been indicated that funding for any of these schemes in
2015 will come from the above Grant Allocations in 2015. When this is taken into account the
reduction on the 2014 Grant Allocations is 4.7%.
The Cork County share of the National allocation for these roads is 11.0% compared to
11.14% in 2014, 11.47%in 2013, 11.94% in 2012 and 11.43% in 2011. It appears that the
Council’s allocation per Kilometre is about 4.6% below the average allocation across County
Councils.
The principal elements of the allocation are:

The Discretionary Maintenance Grant allocation is €9,103,889, (€3,487,574 + Self fund
€5,616,315) which is down 13% on the 2014 allocation of €10,487,150 (Block grants to
Town Councils in 2014 of €1,359,100 are included in this figure). This is the main source
of funding for ongoing maintenance tasks such as pothole repairs and drainage and this
reduction will have a significant negative impact on the Council’s ability to respond to
requests for this type of work. Again Local Authorities are being given the discretion to
use up to 15% of this grant on Local Improvement Schemes, however given the huge
needs of the public road network, it would be extremely difficult to justify spending any
of this Grant, on what are essentially private roads. Decisions on these schemes are best
made
at
Municipal
District
Committee
level,
as
in
2014.

The Restoration Improvement Grant of €18,987,236 is a 3% increase on the 2014
allocation of €18,395,000. This is the largest Grant and provides for the strengthening and
overlay work on our roads. As in 2014 up to 25% may be transferred from this allocation
to the Discretionary Grant allocation. This facility to divert some of the Grant to
Discretionary Maintenance is extremely important in allowing the maintenance
programme to continue and in meeting the Council’s labour costs. This is especially
important in light of the reduction in the Discretionary Maintenance Grant outlined
above. Details of the Restoration Improvement schemes for each Municipal Area will be
circulated
at
March
Municipal
District
Committee
meetings.

Community Involvement Schemes
In 2013 and 2014, a total of 74 Community
Involvement Schemes were carried out across the county. This was a very successful
outcome and many of the most urgent schemes have now been completed. There is no
Community Involvement Grant this year and we have been advised that funding of any
schemes must come from the Restoration Improvement or the Restoration Maintenance
Grant. A further circular has just issued from the Department setting out the conditions
for Community Involvement Schemes based on their experiences of the pilot scheme over
the past two years. The one key change is that the local financial contribution has been
reduced from 20% to 15%. We are currently assessing the demand for these schemes in
2015 and will revert to members at Municipal District meetings, with any proposals.

The Restoration Maintenance Grant (Surface Dressing) of €5,344,500 is a 5% increase on
the 2014 allocation of €5,075,000 but is less than 50% of its 2009 level. This has
dramatically reduced the length of surface dressing, thereby reducing the frequency of
applying a new seal to the road surface. Given the level of rainfall that is being
Minfeb2.15
4
experienced in recent years, the reduction in this work will inevitably lead to an increased
level of potholes and road surface problems. It is hoped to use some of the discretionary
funding, outlined above, to carry out preparatory work for surface dressing and thereby
maximise the length of road that can be surface dressed from the grant.

Specific Improvement Grants have been reduced from €2,927,139 in 2014 to €579,236 in
2015 and as in 2014 there will be no new schemes starting in 2015. The individual
allocations to schemes as detailed cover contractual commitments for works already
underway or recently completed. Funding for the completion of the Youghal Sea Wall
and the realignment of the Newtwopothouse to Doneraile Road, R581 are welcome.

Bridge Rehabilitation Grant . Within the Specific Improvement Grants in 2014 a new line
of funding was introduced for bridge rehabilitation. This year there is a Specific Bridge
Rehabilitation Grant of €978,658 which is larger than the 2014 Grant of €837,465. This is
most welcome and will allow the Council to undertake rehabilitation work on 20 named
bridges that were identified as being in the most need of works. Some 1,412 Bridge
Inspections Reports have been carried out in the last two years on Regional Roads and
Local Roads. It has identified quite a number that are in need of structural repair.

Strategic Road Allocations. These allocations are for Clarke’s Hill /Moneygourney, the
Carrigaline Western Relief Road and the Cork Science and Innovation Park Road. As in
the case of Specific Improvement Grants it will allow the Council to meet existing
commitments. The allocation for the latter scheme will allow for the advancement of the
design
of
the
scheme.

Low Cost Safety Allocation of €472,000 is an 18% increase on the 2014 allocation and
will allow progress on 19 schemes, some of which commenced in 2014.

Severe Weather. An allocation of €363,000 in 2015 has been made to facilitate the
completion of repair works caused by last winter’s storms.
Improvement
Other Improvement
Grant Code: Project Name
BR: Bridge Rehabilitation 2015 – CC
BS: Low Cost Safety Improvement 2015 – CC
DG: Discretionary Grant 2015 – CC
RI: Restoration Improvement 2015 – CC
SW: Severe Weather 2015 – CC
TG: Training 2015 – CC
Total Other Improvements: 24,503,968
Specific Improvement
Grant Code: Project Name
SG: L2548 Old Kinsale Road Bridge
SG: R572 Loughavaul Pavement Strengthening
SG: R581 New Twopothouse to Doneraile
SG: R582 Mountcaine Bridge
SG: R586 Ilen Bridge
SG: R595 Old Court, Skibbereen to Baltimore
SG: R616 Upper Glanmire Retaining Wall
SG: R634 Youghal Road Wall Collapse
Total Specific Improvement: 579,236
Allocation
978,658
472,000
3,487,574
18,987,236
363,000
215,000
Allocation
15,000
7,725
182,500
60,000
25,000
25,000
8,261
255,750
Minfeb2.15
5
Strategic Regional and Local
Grant Code: Project Name
SRLR: Carrigaline Western Relief Road
SRLR: Clarke’s Hill – Moneygourney Road
SRLR: Cork Technology Park, Bishopstown
Total Strategic Regional and Local: 1,785,572
TOTAL IMPROVEMENT ALLOCATION: 26,868,776
Maintenance
Grant Code: Project Name
RM: Restoration Maintenance 2015 – CC
Total Maintenance Allocation: 5,344,500
Allocation
1,650,756
84,816
50,000
Allocation
5,344,500
TOTAL ALLOCATIONS FOR CORK COUNTY COUNCIL: 32,213,276
During a discussion, Members made the following points:























Glaring omission of no funding for the N71; scandalous situation at this stage;
N71 is the main artery to West Cork and the upgrade of same is needed to ensure the
promotion of tourism in the area;
Welcomed allocation for Ringaskiddy;
Was €4m for the purchase of land in Macroom spent last year;
Allocation for Regional and Local Roads falls well below the national average;
Queried total funding applied for to cover storm damage and how much was received
so far;
Very worrying trend that national funding for regional roads is decreasing year after
year;
Welcomed allocation for Buttevant;
Ask the Minister to make special allocation for the inclusion of CIS Schemes;
Ministers and TDs in Cork County are failing their constituents;
Queried update on the Mallow Relief Road;
Roadworks between Ballyhooley and Fermoy should not affect local businesses;
Welcomed allocation for Carrigaline and Clarkes Hill;
Some works have been carried out on the N71 but more is needed;
There will be more fatalities on the N71 if works are not carried out, seek a meeting
with the Department;
More funding is needed for bridges;
Is there any funding for the N73 Mitchelstown to Mallow, the road has become very
busy;
LIS and CIS Schemes are a very important part of the infrastructure for North Cork,
pursue this with the Department;
Decision to reduce LPT has resulted in €4m loss of income to the Council;
Cork has improved its allocation status since 2006;
R624 in Cobh has been neglected this is a very dangerous road;
Queried completion date for the Carrigaline Relief Road;
Recent Report to Council on the Dairy Industry highlighted the urgent need for
investment in the road network;
Disappointed that allocation for Ballyvourney is the same as last year, TDs in the
should have pursued this;
The S/Director of Services responded as follows:-
Minfeb2.15
6










There are 120 landlords involved in the Macroom/Ballyvourney Project and a number
of deals have been finalised;
€1.073m for storm damage €300,000 was brought into this year;
CIS Schemes have been very successful 74 in the last 2 years, if the Council has firm
commitment from residents they will be included in this year’s programme;
N72 – go to tender in March, project will be completed this year;
The Council will do what it can to avoid disruption to businesses with road closures;
Funding for Carrigaline and Clarkes Hill is for land acquisition and not construction
and the allocation for Cork Business and Technology Park is for design;
The design process for Owenahincha will be completed this summer;
€300,000 was received for national bridges and €900,000 for regional bridges;
The Kanturk Relief Road is a specific road project and the Department is not in a
position to fund these into the foreseeable future;
The costs associated with the R624 in Cobh are huge, it is not a national route and
where would the funding come from.
Members commented further as follows:




Is there discretion with Low Cost Safety Improvement funding can works be
reassigned;
Maintenance work is what is needed for the Cobh Road;
Estimated completion date for Carrigaline Relief Road;
Make a new application for funding for the Mallow Relief Road;
Need to again request a meeting with the Minister re the N71;
The S/Director of Services responded as follows:




Will try to include the R626 for resurfacing;
There can be delays with the Low Cost Safety Improvements and some may not
proceed and there is general approval to replace with other schemes;
Will revert to Members with more detail on the Carrigaline Relief Road;
There is no funding to take over cul-de-sacs;
€300,000 is the final figure for storm damage repairs;
The Mayor said that he too was disappointed with the lack of allocation for the N71 and
welcomed the allocation for Buttevant. He said he was glad that the N28 is back on the list as
it is strategically important. The strategic road fund is very important and there needs to be a
mechanism for this in the future.
The Mayor said that people have been let down by the CIS Scheme and the matter needs to be
taken up with the Minister.
It was agreed that the Council write to the Minister for Transport outlining Members’
concerns with the Mallow Northern Relief Road, N71 and CIS Schemes and that the Council
would seek to send a deputation to meet with the Minister.
MANAGEMENT REPORT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE ON ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
6/2-2
Members noted report from the Chief Executive, which outlined as follows:Overview
Minfeb2.15
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Cork County Council has for many years played a large and significant role in the economic
development of the County. This has included the traditional role of providing a strategic
overview and vision for the development of the County through County Development plans
and local area plans, but particularly through CASP and its implementation structures which
have guided and driven the development of the Greater Cork Area since the first LUTs Plan
in the late 70s. This strategic vision put on a statutory basis by the County and City Councils
has ensured that major infrastructural provision has dovetailed with land use developments
ensuring a co-ordinated, plan led, investment strategy by the myriad of public and private
sector bodies who came together to develop this shared vision.
Cork County Council also has a successful track record over a long number of years in
actually delivering individual projects which directly resulted in job creation and facilitated
local enterprise, from the development of enterprise space to tourism projects to roads,
sanitary and water projects. Many of these have been in co-operation with other National or
Regional bodies such as Enterprise Ireland in the development of Enterprise Centres, joint
ventures with the County Enterprise Boards on training and networking, and working with
various Government Departments and bodies such as the NRA.
In more recent years, Cork County Council has increased its activity in the enterprise field,
with an emphasis being placed on this role by Central Government policy and with the LEOs
now part of the Local Government structure, we now play an even more critical role in the
economic development field. The “Supporting Economic Recovery and Jobs Locally” and
support to Economic Development documents provide a strong impetus to local Authorities to
deliver in this area.
Local Enterprise Offices
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) have been integrated with the Council since April 2014.
Two LEOs operate in County Cork; the Cork North and West LEO (offices in Mallow and in
Clonakilty) and the South Cork LEO (office in Kinsale Road). The LEOs are the ‘First Stop
Shop’ for business enquiries across the county and have formal, via memoranda of
understanding and informal links with each of the agencies and Departments of State
operating in the region.
Local Enterprise Office Objectives
LEOs are responsible for the development of small enterprises employing up to ten people.
Their objectives may be categorised under the following five headings:
1. Fostering an Enterprise Culture and stimulating enterprise
2. Promoting and advertising the Enterprise message at local level
3. Working closely with other county based stakeholders to develop enterprise culture
4. Providing opportunities for early stage entrepreneurs and growth oriented firms
5. Developing a progression pathway to EI for ‘start’ clients.
LEO Facts and figures
The LEOs organise a wide range of training, mentoring and promotional events. Provision of
finance for start-ups and expansions of existing enterprises is a key role in the activities of the
LEOs.
The following are amongst the main outputs of the Cork County LEOs for 2014:




Number of projects approved for Financial Assistance –
Total amount of Finance approved for these projects Number of jobs to be created in these projects –
Number of people currently employed in LEO assisted companies -
60
€1,120,999
125
1094
Minfeb2.15
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






Number of Training Programmes and Events held –
Number of people availing of training events –
Number of Mentoring assignments conducted –
Number of one to one business meetings –
Number of Networking events held –
Number of Digital Vouchers approvedValue of Digital Vouchers Approved -
151
1855
119
1113
51
89
€178,626
The LEOs play a key role in the Enterprise Education of students, particularly at second and
third level
 Number of students participating in the LEO Student Enterprise Programme – 1530
 Number of Schools participating in the LEO Student Enterprise Programme – 31
 Number of students participating in Third level activities – 1200
 Number of people participating in the UCC IGNITE Programme – 20
LEOs also participated in the National ‘Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur’ competition,
where three category winners from each LEO area went forward to the regional finals and two
to the eventual national finals.
Food Sector Activities in 2014:
 The Cork and Kerry Food Forum- a networking event for producers and buyers in
Cork City Hall. The event was organised in co-operation with an Bord Bia,
Musgraves, Cork County and City Councils and this year the Local Enterprise Office
Kerry also attended. 60 producers exhibited and 350 representatives of the retail
sector, including 60 buyers were in attendance. Over 2,600 public visitors came
through the doors of City Hall to sample and to purchase.
 The Cork LEOs ran 3 Food Academy training programmes in 2014, in conjunction
with Bord Bia and with Musgraves. This programme prepares producers for listings
with Musgraves.
 The LEOs, in co-operation with Cork Co Council brought food producers to the
Birmingham Food and Drink Expo 2014, one of the UK’s largest speciality food
shows.
Design and Craft Activities in 2014:
 The LEOs organised and assisted 15 Cork makers to exhibit under a Cork Banner at
Showcase 2014 in January. This is Ireland’s premier buyer event for the craft and
design sector.
 The LEOs are strong supporters of Cork Craft and Design and assistance was
provided towards the organisation of Cork Craft Month, held in August, with over 28
events around the county.
 The LEOs organised Cork participation in the International Jewellery Fair in London
in September in which 5 makers took part.
Other activities in the period included partnering with the Economic Development Fund to
run Retail Training & Development Programmes under the LEO and the Beacon banner
throughout the County during 2014. Almost 200 Retailers availed of the programmes. Other
examples of initiatives in which small business participated included Futurallia (the
international business networking partner of CorkMEET) and the SMILE Waste Exchange
Network (which has now become a recognised national industrial symbiosis programme
adopted by the three new Waste Regions).
Minfeb2.15
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The LEO partnered with many local and national organisations to organise and deliver events
to the benefit of small business in Cork. These included Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia,
Revenue, DSP, Failte Ireland, the Banking sector, Microfinance Ireland, UCC, CIT, Cork
Chamber and various local business and traders groups working throughout the County.
Economic Development Fund
Cork County Council has ring-fenced 1% of the rates collected in every Budget since 2011
for Economic Development purposes. The strategy was developed by the Councils Strategic
Policy Committee (SPC) for economic development and was subsequently approved by full
Council.
The Fund (EDF) is unique in local government and seeks to provide financial and other
supports to the County’s businesses, increase employment and economic activity and give a
return to our ratepayers.
Categories of assistance include
 Capital Grants to Companies. 31 companies have been approved for assistance in
just over 3 years. The grant programme is aimed at companies who cannot for a
variety of reasons obtain assistance from the existing Development Agencies such as
LEOs, Leader Groups, Enterprise Ireland etc, and show a capacity to create and grow
employment and business activity. In order to ensure there is no duplication in
funding or application procedures, the LEOs and Leader Groups receive and assess
all applications.
 Loan Guarantee Scheme. 2 loan guarantees have been provided to date with the
initiative being superseded by the micro finance Ireland scheme, operated through the
LEOs.
 Part Fund Enterprise Projects with Third Level Institution Bodies in the area of
business development and support. This element of the programme is to help
promote and develop business enterprise by availing of the expertise in existence in
the Cork Third Level Institutions.
These programmes include
 Ignite in conjunction with UCC, City Council and LEOs. 4 programmes
completed, 5th underway. 37 companies completed programme involving 47
individuals and there are now 71 people employed in ignite companies

Beacon. Started in conjunction with CIT this programme sought to make
connections between SMEs and research in CIT, but quickly developed into a
SME consultancy service to companies who employ more than 10 people and fall
outside the remit of LEOs and EI. This programme is 75% funded by EDF and
25% by the participant. BEACON retail has been run in 9 towns in 2014 and has
assisted 135 retailers to date.

Mallow Systems Innovation Centre. Co funded with CIT and assisted by
Mallow Development Partnership this programme is working on establishing
Mallow as a live testing lab for products developed by companies and 3 rd levels.
It will give Mallow a competitive advantage in attracting companies to trial their
products and locate in Cork

Support Promotion and Development of Enterprise Centres in towns
including hot desking The EDF supports the development with local community
and business groups of E Centres in towns across the County. There are now
seven E Centres in Bantry, Charleville, Fermoy, Macroom Millstreet, Mizen, and
Bandon. E-centre development is underway in Mitchelstown & Dunmanway.
Minfeb2.15
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
Promotion of Festivals and Conferences. Funding is allocated from the EDF to
support conferences, new festivals and the growth of existing festivals. To date 27
events have been supported spread throughout the County.

Joint Fund Initiatives with Cork City Council and the Chamber of Commerce.
Funding was provided to finance joint initiatives with Cork City Council and Cork
Chambers. To date the focus has been on:
o
Establishing Energy and Entrepreneurship sub groups (Energy Cork and Cork
Innovates) to develop opportunities for future growth.
o
A Skills Initiative with the city Council, Local Multi National companies and
IDA on attracting people with the right skills to Cork to fill job vacancies.
o
Further areas of activity to be examined are in the areas of strategic
marketing of Cork (Cork Inc), food and training.
o
Cork County Council along with Cork City Council agreed provided initial
funding of €50,000 per authority to establish the Cork Foundation. The
Foundation is the first of its kind in Ireland and was established to support the
creation and sustainment of jobs in the Cork region. Details can be obtained
at www.corkfoundation.com
o
Working as a member of the Chamber of Commerce Economic and
Enterprise Committee inputting to long term strategic issues and more current
issues as they arise
o
Working with Limerick County council and Ballyhoura to ensure the ongoing
development of Ballyhoura cycling routes

China Links have been established with Jiangsu Province in China which will prove
invaluable in the agrifood and education area .A group visited China in September to
further develop our relationship with Jiangsu, through the signing of a letter of intent,
as agreed by the full Council at its meeting held on 13th January 2014. The Council
delegation was accompanied by the representatives of 3 Cork Schools, Davis College
Mallow, Midleton College, and Kinsale Community School, who hope to develop
relations with their equivalents in Jiangsu.

Science Park Curraheen Much work has been completed on the preparatory work
for the development of a science Park in Curraheen. Governance, development issues
have all been addressed working with the landowners, IDA UCC CIT and other key
stakeholders.
Economic Development Infrastructure
Sites and commercial buildings
Cork County Council has been involved for many years in the provision and maintenance of
industrial units for business start ups and in the provision of serviced industrial sites,
Industrial Estates/Business Parks. Up to the end of 2014 Cork County Council has provided a
total of 165 fully serviced industrial sites of which 34 of these are currently available for
suitable enterprises.
57 industrial units have been provided with a total of 80,000 sq ft of space, and 18 of these
have been upgraded to food industry standard. The occupancy levels are currently at 65%.
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Food grade units – Four food units comprising 4,500 sq. ft. in total have been provided in
Bandon and Carrigaline bringing our compliment of food units to 19,000 sq. ft.
Food Enterprise Kitchens: Two fully equipped Enterprise Kitchens comprising 2,000 sq. ft.
have also been provided in Carrigaline which will provide start up food businesses with
flexible and affordable options.
Tourism Infrastructure.
Camden Fort Meagher refurbishment continued and the main achievement was the
completion of a sewerage scheme which will future proof the development potential of the
Fort. Conservation and restoration of buildings is ongoing with major investment by Cork
County Council and the current employment level is at 23 with a combination of government
funding training schemes and local resources being utilised. These works are in the process
of transforming the Fort into potentially one of the most iconic coastal military fortifications
in Europe.
Training and Marketing
Food Export Training Programme – Ten businesses were funded and trained in partnership
with the Local Enterprise Offices to participate in Food Expo Birmingham 2014. The value of
business generated to date has exceeded €500,000.
Greenshoots training Programme: In 2014 ten participants graduated through this
programme which is funded by Cork County Council and South Cork Local Enterprise Office
and managed by Macroom-E
Visitcorkcounty.com . VisitCorkCounty is a website which was initiated by Cork County
Council as a result of a partnership established between the Council and Cook County, Illinois
with a view to attracting a new tourist audience to Cork from the American mid-west,.
Cork Convention Bureau – is a not for profit organisation tasked to promote and sell
‘Destination Cork’ internationally for business tourism. It is funded by Cork County Council,
Cork City Council, Cork Airport, Cork Chamber, Failte Ireland and Member Hotels. It was
set up in 2007 and has generated €30m in business tourism revenue to date. In 2014 the value
of international conferences secured for the Cork region by Cork Convention Bureau (CCB)
totalled €9.01M bringing in over 6,000 international delegates. €9.01M represents a growth of
almost 10% on 2013’s figures of €8.2M. CCB handled 137 enquiries for 2014 with 68
conferences confirmed for the region.
Cook County Partnership
There is a formal working partnership between Cork County Council and Cook County in
Illinois. Very successful cultural and business exchanges have taken place and significant
business progress has been made in the areas of ICT, Tourism and Biotechnology.
Tourism
The Tourism Section under the Community, Enterprise, Economic Development & Tourism
Directorate continued to work closely with Failte Ireland, Local Development Companies,
Tourism Service Providers, Local Communities and other Departments within the Council to
maximise the economic return from tourism to Cork in terms of overseas visitor numbers,
revenue and employment.
Key projects for 2014 were as follows:
Community Tourism Diaspora Fund introduced in 2014 as a follow on from the success of
The Gathering 2013. This fund is a 3 way partnership between Failte Ireland, Local
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Authorities and IPB Insurances with a total of €32,000 being made available to each Local
Authority for 2014, 2015 and 2016. A total of 22 Festivals/Events throughout the County
were approved for funding ranging in value from the minimum of €500 up to the maximum of
€3,000.
Wild Atlantic Way
 Cork County Council has assisted in the branding and selection of the route as well as
the process involved in the erection of the directional signage. In 2014 improvement
works was carried out at 16 of the Discovery Points.
CesR – Co-operatives of Employment & Services in Rural Areas) Interreg IVC Project
 Cork County Council was approved as a project partner in 2012 to participate in
CesR the core of which was the exchange of experiences between eight partner
countries to create, reinforce and safeguard employment opportunities in the rural
tourism sector, in particular, the self catering sector. We published an implementation
plan at a workshop in County Hall in December
Golf Irish Open – June 2014
Cork County Council provided financial support and resources to the European Tour
including a Marketing & Media Plan to promote both the Irish Open and Cork in association
with the European Tour. The Council hosted a Stakeholders Meeting in County Hall to which
businesses in Cork were invited to highlight the opportunities of the Irish Open and supports
available to maximise this opportunity. We provided a “Visit Cork” Stand at the Irish Open
Tented Village and supported the Welcome Reception for the Golfers participating in the
grounds of Fota House. This event was hugely successful with in excess of 100,000 people
attending and afforded a fantastic opportunity to promote Cork in glorious sunshine.
Financial supports were given by the Tourism Section to the following Festivals/Events
 World Freshwater Feeder Fishing Championships, Inniscarra Lake
 Cork Week, Crosshaven
 ISAF Women’s match Racing World Sailing Championship
 European Juggling Convention, Millstreet
 West Cork Islands Open Weekend
 World Travel Adventure Summit, Killarney (Organised by Failte Ireland)
The Tourism Dept worked closely with the Organisers of these events in maximising the
exposure for both Cork and Cork County Council.
2014 Marketing Initiatives
 Holiday Show – TV3 Series -Sponsored 50% of the cost of an episode of the
Holiday Show featuring attractions/activities along the Cork section of the Wild
Atlantic Way.
 Tracks & Trails –RTE 1 Series – In conjunction with the OPW an episode of the
next series of RTE’s Tracks & Trails which will be aired later this Spring was
sponsored. The episode was filmed in North Cork covering Doneraile Park and a
section of the Avondhu Blackwater Way.
 Ireland’s Fittest Family - RTE 1 Series– Two episodes of the latest series of
Ireland’s Fittest Family shown on RTE 1 were filmed on Spike Island with the
support of Cork County Council

Cruise Tourism in West Cork – Cork County Council in conjunction with the Port
of Cork & Bantry Tourism Development Association continued to work collectively
during 2014 in promoting West Cork to Cruise Companies.
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
Flavours of Cork Event in Edinburgh - The Tourism Dept in conjunction with
TEAM, Cork City Council organised a very successful event in Edinburgh in April
which was an evening showcasing the very best of culture and food in Cork City and
Cork held in the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh.


Cork Harbour Open Day – 20th September, 2014
The Tourism Dept worked closely with Port of Cork, the Naval Service and Cork
City Council in organising this very successful event which raised awareness of the
diversity of activity available to participate in both on and off the water.
Lusitania Centenary Commemoration Events, 2015
 Undertaking a co-ordinating role in the organisation of events in the lead up to the 7 th
May, 2015, a Lusitania Centenary Commemoration Events Group was set up by the
Tourism Section in August, 2014 which includes representation from the organising
groups of Old Head, Kinsale, Kinsale Town, Courtmacsherry & Cobh, Port of Cork,
Dept of Defence & Failte Ireland.

Financial assistance to these groups is also being provided.
Members thanked the Director of Services for the report and made the following points:









Is Enterprise Board funding coming from Enterprise Ireland?
Report is in contrast to what DAA are saying about growing the traffic base at Cork
Airport;
Should festivals be funded from the Municipal District Fund;
Queried the financial assistance for the Lusitania Commemoration;
The Council’s Economic Development Fund is an innovative support for start up
businesses;
The role of the County Development Board of social inclusion will be lost;
Queried the possibility of support for Apprentices from the Economic Development
Fund;
Need for more support for promotion of tourism in North Cork;
Council should support the delivery of broadband;
Greenshoots training has been very successful and led to the creation of jobs;
The Chief Executive said that there has been significant benefit from Failte Ireland and that
local Enterprise Offices are now part of the Council. Their knowledge is significant and forms
part of a co-ordinated team.
The Chief Executive said that the Irish Open, Cork Meet, Cork Convention Bureau have been
very successful and the joint marketing of the food sector has also been a success. Festivals in
the County should be funded from this Scheme and those festivals with significant growth
opportunity should be funded from the economic development fund, whereas local festivals
should be funded through the Municipal Districts.
The Chief Executive advised that Broadband is a matter for the private sector but the Council
has invested in broadband in the past. There is a need to recognise social inclusion but the
training of Apprentices would be a matter for Solus and there is no point in the Council
duplicating services already provided.
The Director of Services advised:
Macroom E has developed new E-Centres for the Council and the Council is looking
to continue this services with them;
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
The priorities in the Economic Development Fund may be changed and this can be
looked at by the Economic Development SPC;
The Mayor said he was disappointed that the National Diaspora Centre would not be
proceeding and that it would have been a huge advantage for tourism.
The Chief Executive advised that the Budgets for Local Enterprise Offices are being provided
by Enterprise Ireland and the Council does not provide additional funding.
As the time was now 1.15 pm an extension of time was agreed on the proposal of
Councillor K. Murphy, seconded by Councillor D. Hurley
NOTICES OF MOTION
INTEREST RATES FROM MONEYLENDERS
7/2-2
Proposed by Councillor G. Keohane
Seconded by Councillor T. Collins
RESOLVED:
“That this Council calls on the Financial regulator to review the current
interest rate on loans from licensed moneylenders and that caps on interest
rates should be at a maximum of 40% APR.”
It was also agreed to take Item 10 at this point
DOG FOULING
8 & 10/2-2
Councillor S. McGrath proposed, seconded by Councillor F. O’Flynn, the following notice of
motion:“That the Council consider setting up a Community Warden Scheme to assist in
tackling the substantial problem of dog fouling and littering. The main aim of such a
scheme would be to increase public awareness of the ongoing and widespread
problem.”
Councillor M. D’Alton proposed, seconded by Councillor F. O’Flynn, the following notice of
motion:“To request a report detailing Cork County Council’s current policy on dog fouling.
To include:
(i) the facilities Cork County Council provides to support the responsible
management of dog waste
(ii) the practical and financial supports Cork County Council currently offers to assist
communities in keeping streets free of dog waste
(iii) the public awareness measures undertaken by Cork County Council highlighting
the health risks associated with dog waste
(i)
The number of on-the-spot fines issued for dog fouling in 2014.”
Members noted report from the Chief Veterinary Officer, which outlined as follows:Minfeb2.15
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In practice, legislation governing dog fouling comprises the Control of Dogs Act 1986,
fouling specific bye-laws enacted under section 17 of the act and, most directly, the Litter
Pollution Act 1997. All dog wardens are empowered under all dog fouling legislation while
some traffic wardens are also empowered. Nuisance due to dog fouling is the fifth most
frequent dog control service request to the veterinary department.
The details above outline the existing CCC policy on dog fouling, appropriate signage and
public education leaflets utilized recently by the veterinary department. Notwithstanding our
public education initiatives, the provision of facilities and the existing dog foul legislation, the
failure by dog owners to clean up after dog foul in public places remains at an unacceptably
high level.
With specific reference to the questions raised by Councillor D'Alton;
(i) the facilities Cork County Council provides to support the responsible management of
dog waste
A combination of bins, signage, disposal bags, information leaflets and Dog Warden presence
in a public education role at the entrances to popular dog walkways, parks and beaches have
and are being used on an ongoing basis.
(ii) the practical and financial supports Cork County Council currently offers to assist
communities in keeping streets free of dog waste
At this point some 1,200 dog foul signs have been provided on request to local community
groups / resident groups and tidy towns groups. It is not Council policy to provide dog
specific bins and the Council has only done so for these specific education focused locations.
(iii) the public awareness measures undertaken by Cork County Council highlighting the
health risks associated with dog waste
As for (i) and (ii) above and also our own public health leaflet produced by the Cork
Zoonoses Committee, as a result of research carried out by the veterinary department in 1997
staff from the Veterinary Section have attended public meetings in conjunction with Dr. Mary
Stack and outlined the health risks involved.
(iv) The number of on-the-spot fines issued for dog fouling in 2014
There were two ‘on-the-spot-fines’ issued during 2014 (on foot of written statements
submitted by the public). Enforcement of existing legislation is extremely difficult due to two
significant weaknesses in our legislation; (1) The ability to legally confirm dog ownership and
(2) the legal interpretation of the requirement to “immediately remove the faeces” has allowed
for “going back to the car for a bag” or “I forgot a bag, I will go and get one immediately”
etc. etc. However, it appears that these two legal issues may be addressed in the near future
with the planned introduction in 2015 of compulsory micro-chipping of all dogs.
Members made the following points:






Dog fouling is a health and safety issue and incidents are prevalent everywhere;
People are willing to volunteer their time to help with cleaning up;
Solitary wardens are unable to deal with this issue;
The need for more dog waste receptacles, none on the Passage West – Rochestown
walkway;
Audible devices would see a reduction in dog waste;
Irresponsible pet waste is a scourge on communities;
Signs put up by the Council are not working;
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



Playing pitches need to be inspected for health and safety reasons before matches can
be played;
There needs to be more education on dog fouling in schools;
The possibility of DNA recording of all dogs should be looked at;
Serious problem for users of wheelchairs and buggies;
The Chief Executive said that this issue is not easy to resolve and the problem is created by
irresponsible community behaviour which may lead to significant health risks. There may be
innovative schemes out there that the Council can learn from.
The Chief Executive said that a policy on dog fouling merits serious consideration by the SPC
and that communities need to be involved. He said he would discuss the matter further with
the Director of Services and Chief Veterinary Officer and would give any proposals his
support.
Cllr K Murphy stated that the SPC was meeting later that day and the issue could be raised
under Any Other Business.
SALE OF DWELLINGS
9/2-2
Councillor D. O’Grady proposed, seconded by Councillor R. McCarthy, the following notice
of motion:“That this Council provides a written report on the number of dwellings sold
by Cork County Council in each of the years 2012, 2013 and 2014. The report
to contain:


The number and type of units sold and the total income earned from sales in each
separate year.
The number of units sold in each of the 3 years by separate category e.g., Social
Housing / Shared Ownership Scheme/ Affordable Housing Scheme/ Tenant
Purchase Scheme etc.”
Members noted report from the Director of Services (Housing), which outlined as follows:The Council does not sell shared ownership units. The Council seeks the consent of members
to dispose of the Council’s equity in properties acquired using the shared ownership option
when the householder look to redeem that equity.
The following is a detailed breakdown itemising the number and type of Social Housing Units
sold in 2014 and the number and value of Tenant Purchase and Affordable Housing Sales
from 2012-2014 inclusive. I have recalled files from off-site storage for 2012 and 2013 and I
will revert with that specific information as soon as we receive same.
Social Housing Sales in 2014 : (not economically viable to repair)
1detached dwelling - €70,000
1detached dwelling - €27,000
1semi detached - €11,750
1semi detached bungalow - €55,000
1detached bungalow - €47,500
1semi detached - €31,000
Total : 6 Units - €242,250
There were no disposals of social housing units in 2012 or 2013.
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Tenant Purchase Sales 2012 – 2014 inclusive
Year
No
Value €
2012
7
347,173.00
2013
74
3,818,186.81
2014
1
108,630.00
Total
82
4,273,989.81
Affordable Housing Sales 2012 – 2014 inclusive
Year
No
Value €
2012
9
€1,091,000.00
2013
1
€57,500.00
2014
0
0
Total
10
1,148,500.00
Members made the following points:


Is there any finance coming to the Council from Shared Ownership;
Why were 6 units allowed get into such a bad state of disrepair;
Any new houses purchased or those that need repairs should not be done by private
contractors;
The Chief Executive said it would have cost a considerable amount to undertake repairs to the
six units sold in 2014 and it was considered not economically viable to undertake these
repairs. Any income arising is retained in the Council’s Capital account as “ICRs” (Internal
Capital Receipts) for housing purposes.
Cllr. R. McCarthy said that tenants expressing interest in the Tenant Purchase Scheme were
asked to pay €120 for a valuation fee and queried was the valuation carried out in-house.
The Chief Executive said that all valuations are undertaken by external valuers.
VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS
18/2-2
TO:
Inchydoney Development Association, and all those involved in the maintenance of
Inchydoney Beach, which won best beach on Tripadvisor.
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ANY OTHER BUSINESS
19/2-2
The following tenders were opened at the Meeting:

R619, Clyda Embankment Stabilisation, Mallow – 7 no.
Sea Wall Repairs at Pier Road, Keelbeg, Union Hall – 8 no.
Youghal Sewage Plant
Cllr. P. Buckley requested an update on the Sewage Treatment Plant in Youghal. The Chief
Executive said he would arrange for same.
Taking in charge of estates
Cllr. I. Doyle enquired about the Council’s responsibility for any accidents that occur in
estates that have not been taken in charge. The Chief Executive said the Council would not
be responsible if the estate has not been taken in charge.
HAP Scheme
Cllr. P. Hayes asked if the Council has contacted letting agents in the County explaining the
HAP Scheme to them. The Chief Executive said that this would not be part of the Council’s
remit and would not have the resources to contact each letting agent.
Pay Parking Policy
Cllr. S. McGrath queried when the Council’s pay parking policy would be discussed. The
Chief Executive said a Pay Parking Policy was agreed at the SPC and would be coming
before Members for approval at the next Council Meeting.
Handing over of vessel for museum purposes
The Mayor referred to the handing over of a vessel by the Minister for the Marine to the
Maltese people and said that he would look into the possibility of acquiring the vessel for
Cork Harbour for a museum.
It was agreed that the remaining items on the Agenda would be deferred to the Council
Meeting on 9th March, 2015.
This concluded the business of the meeting
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