Cork County Council has presented new plans for road improvement and sustainable transport works in the Glanmire, Sallybrook and Riverstown areas.

The proposed development includes the construction of a new cycling greenway, improved footpaths, upgraded traffic junctions, and new bus bays. In total the Council plans to undertake 16 new infrastructural works.

All relevant information is available at this link https://www.corkcoco.ie/public-consultation-part-8s and the Council is actively seeking feedback on its proposals.

Closing date for receipt of submissions to the consultation process is Friday 29th June 2018.

Cork was bathed in sunshine and a festive atmosphere this weekend, as Ed Sheeran performed three sold-out concerts in the newly developed Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, commented: “120,000 people visited Cork this weekend as Ed Sheeran kicked off his Irish tour with three sold-out concerts in Páirc Uí Chaoimh in what were the first major non-sporting event held in the stadium.”

“Having a performer of such calibre come to Cork is extremely exciting for everyone in the city and really highlights the strong demand for world class acts on Leeside. For businesses operating in the hospitality and services industry these concerts delivered a massive injection worth millions to our local economy after a challenging time with bad weather events in recent months.”

“This weekend’s concerts showed Cork city for what is can do and what it can offer. The cultural sector is worth millions annually to our economy and really adds to the vibrancy of Cork as a great place to live. With the availability of Páirc Uí Chaoimh to host leading international acts and the Events Centre development expected to get underway, we hope to see many more musicians and performers include Cork in their global tours going forward.”

Falling on 9 May each year, Europe Day is a celebration and reminder of the importance of Ireland’s EU membership.

Commenting on today’s Europe Day celebrations, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland said,

"Europe Day is a celebration of the peace, unity and freedoms which Ireland shares and enjoys with its fellow member states of the European Union.

Today’s anniversary of the 1950 ‘Schuman Declaration’, which proposed a vision for a new geopolitical union across Europe, is a timely reminder of the importance of the European Union and the resounding benefits that EU membership has brought and continues to bring to Ireland.

Since we joined the EU in 1973, Ireland has been a net recipient of more than €44 billion in EU funds. This year Ireland claims the accolade of the fastest growing economy in the EU for the fourth year in a row. This is remarkable when you take into account not just the impact of the economic crash on Irish society, but also how far we’ve come since we joined the EU, being transformed from the poorest economy within the bloc, to currently the fastest growing and one of the wealthiest.

According to CSO figures, since accession to membership in 1973, Ireland has more than doubled its work force, with just over one million in employment at the time of joining, which has now jumped to over two million.

Furthermore, Ireland’s GDP has soared from roughly €37 billion (Euro equivalent) since joining what was formerly known as the European Economic Community in 1973 to almost €300 billion today, a growth of 690%. This is in dramatic contrast to the 118% growth of GDP over the 45 years prior to membership. Gender parity in the workforce has also risen dramatically since the beginning of our membership, as female representation in Ireland’s workforce has risen from 27% in 1973 to 45% today.

We also note the results of yesterday’s European Movement Ireland’s poll, which shows that over 90% of Irish citizens are in favour of Ireland’s continued membership of the EU.

We welcome these results as an indication of the ongoing support the Irish public has for the European project. This is particularly important given the developing public debate concerning the future of Europe. The Irish Chamber network has in the past voiced its unequivocal support for membership of the EU.

With 90% of global growth expected to take place outside of the EU by 2020, the future direction of the EU must be one that continues to support and facilitate free trade, improved competitiveness and innovation."

Designed by Gilbert Baker at the urging of Harvey Milk, who encouraged him to create a symbol of pride for the LGBTI+ community the Rainbow Flag has been a symbol of inclusion ever since it was first carried in the San Francisco Pride Parade of 1978. Cork City has the honour of being the first to formally raise a Rainbow Flag over a civic or public building on the island of Ireland but we are delighted today to be joined today in that endeavour by civic leaders in Cork County Council and representatives of Cork’s business community who will also raise the flag. Contact Kate@linc.ie for flags and stickers and show your support.