There is no public library in the Mahon/ Blackrock area which at present is serviced by a mobile library. It has not been possible to secure funding from the Department for the provision of a new library and, in the current economic situation, this is not likely to change in the foreseeable future.

In these circumstances, Cork City Council has explored alternatives for the provision of a library building. One solution would be to convert the former Abode Hostel located at the Skehard Road/ Ballinure Road junction into a public library. The Abode building will be in the ownership of the City Council. It is very well located being within walking distance of hundreds of households. The estimated cost of conversion is in the region of E.600,000. It has been proposed that capital proceeds from the sale of land assets near the new Cork Medical Hospital in Mahon be invested to provide for the new library conversion.

Below is my maiden speech at my first Council meeting in the Council chamber on 15 June 2009, 7.30p.m.

“It’s a tremendous honour and privilege to be here as a Councillor.

I would like to congratulate the Lord Mayor, Cllr. Brian Bermingham on your promotion of local heritage, for your colour, creativity and imagination increasing the sense of pride, place, identity and traditions of the city.

I’m aware that I’m here on the vote of confidence of constituents – people of my ward voted me in – with that in mind the people must continue to be looked after and reached out to especially in these harsh economic times.

We live in difficult times; we now as a Council need not only to think about the future stability of this beautiful city but also bring the city forward in the next five years, in the next ten years.

I look forward to working with Council members over the next five years. Thank you”.

Cllr. Brian Bermingham outlined a summary of his programme for the year, events which were noteworthy and I praise his contribution to the Lord Mayor’s office. I especially applaud the educational strategy he adapted for young people, who are the lifeblood of the city;

Selection of Cllr. Brian Bermingham’s programmes:

• Awakening of Cork’s heritage
• Promotion of civic responsibility
• Creation of Lord Mayor’s website
• Meeting with the Lord Mayor of Belfast
• Visiting Omagh for the tenth anniversary
• Launch of Bus Wednesday
• Connecting together of local history groups
• Maintaining and expansion of Council services
• Promotion of Cork Schools’ Music Project
• Promotion of Discover Cork: Schools’ Heritage Project (City Edition)

What a great day Saturday was. I’m thrilled to take a councillor seat for South East Cork City. 

I would like to thank all those that had confidence in me by giving me their no. 1 vote. This added immensely at the outset in increasing the odds of success. Even those that gave me a vote steered me across the quota.

It is a tremendous honour and priviledge as a young Independent to be elected as a city councillor in the city I have studied, written about, worked in, walked and have a deep affection and passion for.

So I come to the end of a long campaign and indeed a very long road. If you are reading this, thank you for your interest and support.

For those that I have met and chatted to, thanks very much for your courtesy, time, sharing your concerns, for opening the door and shortening the road. Since February, my team and I have tried our best not only to meet people but also to reach out to as many people as possible.

In my own view, this 5 June is directly about choosing leaders who will represent our community where we live at City council and management level. What is important now is that those elected individuals react to what is happening in our communities and try their best to build future opportunities. What do we need to survive, as individuals and with our families into the next five years? What will our community look like in five years time, ten years time?

It is also important to mind ourselves in the times we live in but also not to become isolated. Everybody has a talent and it’s up to each one of us to develop these talents, to stand and fight, to push forward as best as possible in our lives through building strong family, friendship and community ties.

Enjoy the sunshine! 

Kieran