O’Flynn calls for Council Rates Exemption for Community, Voluntary and Sporting Organisations

O’Flynn calls for Council Rates Exemption for Community, Voluntary and Sporting Organisations



Fianna Fáil City Councillor, Kenneth O’Flynn has today put down a motion to Cork City Council to exempt community, voluntary and sporting organisations from Council rates.



‘I am calling for this exemption because many local organisations with premises are finding it difficult to source funding to pay these rates while at the same time maintaining their existing levels of services to communities’ added O’Flynn.



‘While there has been no shortage of volunteerism within our local organisations, many are reporting that donations aren’t as strong as they used to be. This is something that is worrying many community leaders in Cork’ said O’Flynn.



‘While this will affect the income for the City Council, the wellbeing and welfare of our communities should take priority. I hope all my fellow City Councillors will unanimously support this motion that protects local services’ added O’Flynn.



‘Our local GAA, Soccer and community groups need all the assistance they can get to ensure the ongoing provision of their services. Our local communities need the facilities they provide and the support they give in these tough times’ concluded O’Flynn.

Minister under pressure to fund Community warden scheme

THE Minister of Environment will come under increased pressure over the coming week to find funding to continue the Community Warden Scheme in Cork City according to Fianna Fáil councillor Kenneth O’Flynn.

The scheme was described by Cllr O’Flynn as “one of the shining examples of how has put a human face to its role in managing the city. The community warden has become an important contact point for the all in the community.

“Community wardens work in the city has been a valuable contribution to all the community. It would be a disaster if we were to let it all go to waste”.

The Fianna Fáil group in Cork City Council have moved a motion requesting the Minister for Environment, Phil Hogan, to find alternative funding for the Community Warden Scheme.

The City Manager confirmed that funding from the Department of the Environment for the Community Warden Scheme had been reduced by 50 per cent. However he also gave a commitment to try to find alternative money within the council’s budget to maintain the service.

“We have 16 councillors members of the government parties, they now need to use their influence and deliver for the city,” said Cllr O’Flynn.

Shandon to become the “jewel in Cork’s crown”

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WITH the official opening of the Dr Mary Aherne Park, the second public park in Shandon, Cllr Kenneth O’Flynn has said that Shandon is “finally getting what it deserves”.

“We have spent €6 million since 2000 on a renewal of streetscape and now with two public parks things are going well in the heart of the north side, but what is becoming more evident is the interest of our new City Manager, Tim Lucey, in developing tourism on the north side of Cork which would be of great benefit to the City.

“Shandon has been pinpointed as the jewel in Cork’s crown" We are planning to totally redevelop the area and not just the craft centre but the public realm, this is apparent by or two new parks St Anne’s and Dr Mary Aherne, Shandon is he best tourist spot the city and has to offer more then just the famous bells for example Annie Moore, who left her home in Rowland’s Lane Shandon for New York in 1892 the first immigrant to pass through the Ellis Island facility in New York.

“The Shandon connection to Betsy Ross who presenting the first American flag to George Washington and who’s home is one of the most visited tourist sites in Philadelphia are strongly associated with the area.

“It boasts many historical and cultural attractions such as, of course the Shandon Steeple, which is the definitive landmark of Cork, Cork Butter Museum, associations with Jack Lynch, Nano Nagle, Joan Denise Moriarty, Mother Mary Aikenhead, Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne, St Mary’s Church & Priory, The Exchange Toffee Works, The Guest House on Chapel Street, an arts project and residency space, The Jack Lynch House – a residence for visiting artists to the city, The maze of narrow laneways.

“Currently TEAM the new tourism unit at are meeting with members of the community, businesses in the area and local councillors to put together a plan for the Shandon area.

“Plans are under way for a new 2,500 sq ft sky studio at the Firkin Crane that will have 360 view over the city, personally I would like to see a professional genealogical research centre in the area.

“Shandon has a vibrant community spirit; a place where the Cork tradition of friendly and helpful neighbours still flourishes and where residents and business people have a huge sense of pride and appreciation of their locality.

“We saw it again this weekend at the Shandon Street Festival last weekend,” concluded Cllr O’Flynn.

Fianna Fáil should run official candidate for the presidency says

FIANNA Fáil city councillor and member of the Fianna Fáil governing body the Ard Comhairle, Kenneth O’Flynn has today called for the party to nominate an official candidate in the upcoming Presidential Election.

“I think it is absolutely imperative that my party runs an official candidate in the upcoming Presidential Election. As a political party, we need to put our message for the future of the presidency to the people and allow them to make up their own minds.


“While there are many candidates looking for a nomination, I feel that as a political force and a party that is intent on renewing itself, Fianna Fáil must have its own candidate’

“The entire Fianna Fáil organisation is at the moment renewing itself and reinvigorating itself and this presidential election is a perfect opportunity for the grassroots of Fianna Fáil to rally behind a candidate and a cause.

“Fianna Fáil has been written off in recent months. Now is the time to show to the people that Fianna Fáil is here and it is here to stay,” he said.

Fine Gael – Big on Gimmicks, Short on Action says Fianna Fáil Councillor, Kenneth O’Flynn

The appointment of 15 Ministers of States by Taoiseach Enda Kenny is a slap in the face to the many people who voted Fine Gael and Labour thinking that they would bring about a new type of politics in Ireland’, said Fianna Fáil Cllr. Kenneth N. O'Flynn
Responding to the announcement that 9 Fine Gael TD’s and 6 Labour TD’s would assume Ministerial responsibility for various areas, Cllr. O’Flynn said:

“Fine Gael introduced a bill not that long ago into the Oireachtas attempting to reduce the number of Ministers of State to 12 instead of the then 15.”

“Now as soon as they have power, they reverse their position in a cynical attempt to give a job to as many people in their bloated parliamentary parties as possible’
‘The people voted for change on the 25th February. My party will play a constructive role in opposition but issues such as the hiporacy of Fine Gael and Labour must be highlighted – The people deserve honest. What other policy positions will Fine Gael and Labour reverse in the weeks and months ahead’ concluded Cllr. O’Flynn

Barrel of oil will reach $200 by the end of 2011

Cllr. Kenneth O'Flynn has called on the incoming government to take speedy action to reduce the duty on petrol, it is estimated by international economists including those at The Goldman Sachs Group, that the price of a barrel of oil will reach $200 by the end of 2011 and that petrol will be as high as €1.50 per litre.

Speaking to journalists, O’Flynn said that with the ever rising cost in fuel, logistic companies, travelling salespersons and people living in the commuter belt are; “going to be crucified by the cost of fuelling their vehicles which is not just detrimental to business in this country but also to families who are already suffering cuts in social welfare and elsewhere.”

Continuing the Northside Councillor said; “for the average family car doing 12,000 miles a year, a difference of 5c a litre would amount to €7.50 a month, or €90 a year.”

O’Flynn said he believes that the government, while they are intent on cosy sound bites in relation to the minimum wage and reducing the travel tax, it would be more beneficial if they would tackle the carbon tax, which he says has crippled business in Ireland and contributed to the rising cost of fuel.

Cllr. O’Flynn said that; "Every element of additional cost placed on working people means their buying power, their ability to support other initiatives, fades even more" and added that in the current climate the Carbon Tax has no policy justification.

The move by O’Flynn comes as hauliers threaten to stage a major blockade across the entire country if the new government does not address the price of fuel. Something that the Councillor says will be detrimental to the country if it occurs and that the incoming Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, needs to meet with representatives of the logistic industry in Ireland to see first hand how the rising fuel costs are affecting them adversely.

free parking And Rates new business wishing to set up in the City.

CITY councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has placed a motion before Cork City Council calling for two hours of free parking to be introduced on North Main Street and Paul Street car parks every Saturday between 9am and 11am.

Cllr O’Flynn said, “City Council must give business the lead with ideas like this which not only benefit the consumer, but also allow people the freedom and ease to come into town, park their car for free for a period of time and not have to worry about cost or the clampers.”

Cllr O’Flynn believes his motion would not just benefit the local economy but inspire retailers to take further initiative to boost their own business in a way that is cost effective and fair to consumers.

Having met with leading members of the Cork business community in the past number of months, Cllr O’Flynn has found that Saturday trading in the city is at an all time low.

“With centres like Mahon point, Blackpool, Douglas and Wilton Shopping Centre with free parking all day the incentive is for consumers to go to these destinations and shop at their leisure. If we in the city can allow them the two free hours parking, we give them a greater incentive to return to the city centre and not to worry about having to pay high car park fees.”

Cllr O’Flynn stated his belief that in particular this would be a huge boost to the faltering Saturday trade in the city.
6 Responses to “Free parking call”








COUNCILLOR Kenneth O’Flynn has placed a motion before Cork City Council calling on the Council to introduced staggered rates new business wishing to set up in the City.

Cllr O’Flynn said; “As part of my motion I called for the Council to introduce staggered rates whereby in the first year the person setting up the business would not have to pay rates, in the second year they would only pay half rates and in the final year quarter rates.”

Councillor O’Flynn stated that he believes such a plan will allow entrepreneurs a foothold in the City to establish their business and he believes that they would thrive over the three years, without being burdened by full rates.

Councillor O’Flynn stated that City Council should concern itself more with encouraging the establishment and growth of business in the City, rather then putting barriers in its way. He believes that motions such as this are steps towards encouraging growth and assisting business people to not just get their business started but to make them successful.

Reduced Commercial Rate

FIANNA Fáil councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has welcomed the outcome of a meeting between Cork City Council officials led by City Manager Tim Lucey, local public representatives and members of the Blackpool Community, which took place on Tuesday 30 November.

Following the meeting Cllr O’Flynn said that he has placed a motion before the Council, in which he called for a reduced commercial rate to be introduced in the Blackpool Village.

Cllr O’Flynn said, “This is a proactive approach to combating and tackling dereliction in the Blackpool area and attracting new business into the idea.”

Cllr O’Flynn also thanked the manager for showing an interest in the project and for his firm and proactive approach to tackling dereliction. Cllr O’Flynn also praised residents for their continued commitment to the regeneration of Blackpool.

Dr Hearne Park,

FIANNA Fáil city councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has welcomed the beginning of work by Cork City Council in Dr Hearne Park, which is located at the rear of Shandon Court Hotel. The work will see the former graveyard transformed into a public park with seating and playground facilities.

At present new fencing and security cameras have been erected by Cork City Council in the first step in the transformation of the graveyard into a People’s Remembrance Park. Further work is set to incorporate a children’s playground and seating area.

Cllr O’Flynn said, “I think that projects like this which have taken place in the Glen, as well as Shandon in St. Anne’s Park, show City Council’s determination to provide amenity areas to those disadvantaged areas of our city and allow them green recreation areas to enjoy.

“I hope that the park here in Shandon as well as its counterparts elsewhere on the north side can be locomotives which drive projects like this elsewhere in the city”

Stronger line needed against dog fouling

THE Chairman of Cork City Council’s Environment Committee, Cllr Kenneth O’Flynn has called on the Director of Environment and the Director of Services for Recreation and Amenity, to come together and take a vigorous approach to tackling dog fouling in the City.

Cllr O’Flynn said, “It is time for City Council to spearhead a proactive campaign to make people aware that dog fouling is a real problem in the city and one which needs to be tackled.

“Firstly, it is a health risk. Roundworm eggs in dog faeces can cause blindness, epilepsy, asthma and eye infections. The worm eggs can survive in the soil even after it’s rained, so children playing on grass are much more at risk. The bacteria can cause sickness and diarrhoea. It’s socially unacceptable. As well as this it spoils the environment around people’s homes.

“In the last three years there have only been two prosecutions in relation to dog fouling. This is unacceptable. People need to realise that this is a crime and one that will no longer be taken lightly and prosecutions will have to be made and fines delivered.”

Cllr O’Flynn said he hopes that any scheme embarked on will include the schools in the city and extend awareness of the health risk posed by dog fouling.

“This will highlight the seriousness of this issue and result in the Council and public taking action against dog fouling,” he said.

Council Project Team Welcomed

FIANNA Fáil councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has welcomed the decision by Cork City Council that a project team be established to fund public amenity projects such as a public bike scheme.

The idea of a public bike scheme was one that Cllr O’Flynn brought to the attention of the council last year and he is enthusiastic that the council is now responding positively to the idea.

“Bicycle sharing is increasingly popular in other cities including Dublin. Under the scheme a number of bicycles would be made available for shared use by individuals who do not own the bicycles.

“This scheme removes the difficulties of daily cycling use, such as home parking, theft and maintenance of your private bicycle.”

Councillor O’Flynn said that a team comprising of representatives from the Roads Directorate as well as the Planning Directorate is now being assembled and the team will meet with the service providers in the coming months with a view to bringing a report before the members of the council at the end of March 2011.

Monument should be erected in Shandon to Annie Moore

FIANNA Fáil councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has placed a motion before Cork City Council asking that a monument be erected in Shandon to Annie Moore, who left her home in Rowland’s Lane Shandon for New York in 1892.

Annie Moore gained great fame as the first immigrant to pass through the Ellis Island facility in New York.

Cllr O’Flynn said, “While there is a plaque mentioning she lived in Rowland’s Lane, I feel that a suitable monument should be erected as it would be fitting to a person who is held in very high stead amongst Americans, who themselves went to great trouble to locate her grave in 2006 and in 2008, a dedication ceremony was held at which a marker for her grave, a Celtic Cross made of Irish Blue Limestone was unveiled.

“Annie Moore is just as important to Irish-America as JFK, The Irish American Cultural Institute presents an annual Annie Moore Award to an individual who has made significant contributions to the Irish and/or Irish American community and legacy.

“As well as this tribute a statue of Annie Moore exists in Ellis Island looking across the Atlantic Ocean, back to Ireland where she left from Cobh, the town which hosts a statue of her and her two brothers embarking on their journey to the New World.” O’Flynn said, “It is now time that something equally as prevalent as the monuments in Cobh and New York be erected to Annie Moore in Shandon.

“Not only would this be a great addition to the Annie Moore legacy it would further show the important role that Shandon has to play as Cork City’s premier tourist destination.”

welcomed the outcome of a meeting between Cork City Council officials led by City Manager Tim Lucey

Councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has welcomed the outcome of a meeting between Cork City Council officials led by City Manager Tim Lucey, local public representatives and members of the Blackpool Community, which took place on Tuesday 30 November.



Following the meeting Councillor O’Flynn said that he has placed a motion before the Council, in which he called for a reduced commercial rate to be introduced in the Blackpool Village. Speaking on this O’Flynn said; “this is a proactive approach to combating and tackling dereliction in the Blackpool area and attracting new business into the idea.”



Councillor O’Flynn also thanked the Manager for showing an interest in the project and for his firm and proactive approach to tackling dereliction. Cllr O’Flynn also praised residents for their continued commitment to the regeneration of Blackpool.

Relevant Council Departments will meet together to discuss moving away from the bonfire night

Councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has welcomed the announcement by Cork City Council, that following a motion he placed before them, the relevant Council Departments will meet together to discuss moving away from the bonfire night and towards more community based activities for 23 June.

The original motion to Cork City Council was as follows; “That this Council would put in place a blanket ban on bonfires in the City 365 days a year. In particular the 23 June would no longer be known as ‘Bonfire Night’ but rather ‘Community BBQ Night’ similar to block parties that are organised in the United States.”

Speaking on the new plans in place by the Council O’Flynn said; “I welcome this move by the Council. Bonfire night has become an excuse for vandalism and anti-social behaviour and each year the emergency services are placed under tremendous pressure as a consequence bonfire night.




O’Flynn continued; “I hope as a result of this action by the Council we will see communities holding block parties with a BBQ, games and fun events organised around it. I think that while the positive aspect of bonfire night has always been the Community input, this has been hijacked by those who simply start fires on the night without any regard for anyone else.”

In Cllr. O’Flynn’s opinion the new scheme will be a great way for communities to organise events in a way to brings people together for the purpose of having a fun night that is inclusive of all the community.

O’Flynn welcomes Senior Citizen Announcement

O’Flynn welcomes Senior Citizen Announcement


Councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has welcomed the announcement that following a motion he put before Cork City Council, the Council will write to all Senior Citizens, informing them of the relevant Council authorise to deal with any queries which they might have.
In his original motion Councillor O’Flynn called for the establishment of a senior citizen liaison officer that would be able to deal with issues such as housing allocation, housing maintenance, grants, waiver forms and other issues which effect older people in Cork City.
The announcement that the City will now provide Senior Citizens with contact details of City Officials is a welcome one according to the Northside based Councillor. Speaking on this O’Flynn said; “I found many of our Senior Citizens were having great difficulty in contacting the Council and as such I felt it was the duty of the Council to make it easier to do so and improve communication. I think that this is a most welcome step in the right direction.”
Speaking on his reason for putting forward the motion initially O’Flynn said; “meeting regularly with Senior Citizen groups, I found they experienced a lot of confusion when dealing with City Council and felt that they are being bounced from pillar to post in dealing with various issues. In some cases they were only provided with an email address to make contact with the relevant authorities which was not always feasible. This announcement thus is a welcome improvement and one I am glad to support fully.”