News

This year, sixty-six villages entered Cork County Council’s annual Anti-Litter Challenge, showcasing the unwavering commitment and community spirit of voluntary groups across the county. Twenty-four finalists were presented with certificates this week to commend their work in curbing litter in their villages.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn has launched the Harper’s Island Wetlands Activity Books, a special publication series written and designed by renowned local author and educator Jim Wilson.

Mayor of the County of County, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn has paid tribute to the students and teachers of Muinefliuch National School, Macroom, who sowed the seeds to victory winning the Overall Best County School Garden in the Muintir na Tíre Cork School Garden Competition 2024. 

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn says the high numbers of Blue and Green Flags for Cork County beaches is a testament to coastal community groups and Cork County Council working together. 

69 schools from Cork County have been awarded Green Flags as part of An Taisce’s Green Schools Programme. The primary and secondary schools were celebrated for their achievements under themes of litter and waste, biodiversity, energy, global citizenship and the marine environment amongst others. 

Cork County Council has launched a new Circular Economy Fund with the aim of empowering local action to drive a more circular economy. The fund aims to support communities to move away from the traditional linear ‘take-make-use-dispose’ model towards more circular living where resources are reused or recycled, reducing wastage. 

Cork County Council has launched its first Climate Action Plan (2024-2029) which aims to support the transition to a low carbon and climate resilient county. The plan includes actions and projects which support the local authority in reducing its direct carbon emissions by 51% by 2030 in line with national emissions targets. 

“I warmly welcome the decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant permission for ‘Remedial works to the existing Fermoy weir (protected structure) and the construction of a new fish bypass on the River Blackwater."

In celebration of National Tree Week 2024, Cork County Council is offering a number of native trees to schools, community groups and organisations. National Tree Week is an initiative of the Tree Council of Ireland and will take place this year from the 3rd to the 10th of March. 

Solid fuel use is one of the biggest sources of air pollution in our homes and communities. With roughly 1 in 10 householders in County Cork burning solid fuel as their main source of heating, Cork County Council is reminding householders that only approved fuels should be used when necessary to heat their homes and to always check the labelling on all solid fuel that they buy. 

BirdWatch Ireland in partnership with Cork County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have completed a survey of Barn Owls in the county, the results of which show that the fortunes of this iconic farmland bird appear to be changing, as Barn Owls were recorded in numbers not seen in the county in the past 50 years. 

If you are considering applying for the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP) and have questions about the CCAP and your project, Cork County Council is hosting one-to-one project clinics in eight locations to provide direct support and guidance to prospective applicants.