Kieran’s letter sent to Douglas Post, 19 April 2010

I read with interest the recent letter and the reaction by residents against the call by Cork City Council inviting the public to clean up their own area as part of National Spring Clean month and with regard to the Community Maintenance Grants. I agree with the sentiment that in terms of infrastructure and litter there are areas of the south east ward that need addressing and I note concerns at Monahan Road and the Atlantic Pond and will follow them up at Council level. However, I do not agree with the sentiment that we should depend on the Council to sweep in front of our homes 365 days of the year. We need to take some responsibility for the areas that we live in.

The City Council gives the bones of E.500,000 upwards to community groups across the city per year so that services such as meals and wheels and community associations can make people’s lives  that bit better. In the south east ward, there are three community centres that require more investment so that they can advance the positive work they do. The work they pursue is very important and I hope valued by local residents. In addition, I also feel that since this country is so entrenched in an economic recession that the only way out is building new enterprises many of which start off small and need the support of the community. I would argue that in that light it is important that local communities keep discussing new ideas and through developing a sense of place, pride and belonging. Those I feel are also essential traits and values to any vibrant place.

If people expect the Council to sweep outside their door, 365 days of the year, I would argue this country has bigger problems that just the recession. We have lost how to value ourselves in the whole process.