Cllr O’Flynn calls one Buy Irish Label

Cllr Kenneth O’Flynn is looking for Cork City Council to lead the way in transforming the way Cork food and indeed Irish food is promoted. The Fianna Fail councillor believes that in order to increase the sales of indigenous made food there should be one generic food label to show that the produce is of Irish origin. Cllr O’Flynn argues that ‘At the moment there is up to five different labels on products indicating that they are sourced or produced in Ireland. What I am proposing is that all these brands would come under one standard label to make it easier for shoppers to locate Irish owned brands and above support indigenous businesses.’

Cllr O’Flynn said this is something that both consumers and shop owners would react positively to. O’Flynn points out that ‘Research has shown that consumers much prefer this option and are much more likely to buy Irish brands when there is one single, clear, colour coded label to show this’ ‘I am aware of the knock on effect this would have for maintaining employment in the City. For every Irish produce on the shelf there is a minimum of five jobs being supported. This can be traced from start to finish, from the making of the product, to the packaging and delivering, to person who stocks it on the shelves.’ According to the Northside Councillor the groundwork has already been laid for such a program ‘A number of successful pilot schemes in Dublin and Cork have already been carried out. I have placed a motion before Cork City Council asking them to support this initiative and get as many super markets involved in Cork as possible. Furthermore I want to see Cork City Council launch an annual campaign to promote both Irish food and encourage shoppers to shop locally.’ Last year the Food and Agricultural sector contributed €24 billion to the national economy and employed more than 150, 000 people with further growth expected into 2012. The Northside councillor concluded ‘We have some of the best food in the world, it is time we start using it to all our advantages.’ Ends

O’ Flynn encourages all to get out and Vote

Cork City Councillor Kenneth O’Flynn is encouraging all citizens to make sure they vote on the upcoming referendum on the European stability Treaty. The referendum on the European Union Fiscal compact Treaty will take place on the 31st of May.
Cllr O’ Flynn stated ‘Whether you are voting yes or no I am encouraging all voters to use there democratic right and get out and vote on the 31st of May.
This referendum will be one of the most important in the country’s history and it is vital that voters make sure they have their say.
‘I will be personally mounting a campaign in support of the treaty. I believe that the future of Euro is at stake and a No vote would see further uncertainty spread across the Euro zone. I recognise the need for greater economic stability and hope that by ratifying this treaty we will see the necessary fiscal budgetary measures introduced that will prevent the reoccurrence of any further debt crisis’.

Cllr O’ Flynn reiterated the importance of those who are currently not registered to vote of getting on the supplement register.
‘I would also like to remind all those entitled to vote that if you are not yet registered there is still time to be included on the supplementary register. The deadline for this is the 14th of May. Anybody who wishes to avail of this can make an application to their local authority. Application forms are available from the registration authority or can alternatively be downloaded at checktheregister.ie’
However Cllr Flynn did criticise the government for the Treaty being held on a week day.

‘Having the Treaty on Thursday will mean a whole group of people will be disenfranchised. Students as well as people working or living away from home will find it very difficult to get out and vote.’
Ends

2012 SPORTS CAPITAL PROGRAMME ONLINE APPLICATION

http://www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie/scp2012/home


Deadlines for applications

Online applications and those made in Irish (and hard copy of the signed application form and all supporting documentation) must reach the Department by 5pm on Friday 1st June 2012. We cannot accept supporting documentation by email or online.
Paper based applications (and all supporting documentation) must reach the Department by 5pm on Friday 11th May 2012.

Address:
2012 Sports Capital Programme Applications
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
New Road
Killarney
Co. Kerry

PAINTING GRANT SCHEME 2012 GRANTS FOR THE SHANDON STREET AREA AND NORTH MAIN STREET

Applications are invited for the Painting Grant Scheme
2012. The aim of the painting grant scheme is to
improve the character and appearance of historic
areas of Cork City and to make them more attractive
to live and do business in.
The 2012 scheme targets the Shandon Street area and
North Main Street Architectural Conservation Area.
The area in which properties are eligible to apply
includes: Shandon Street; North Main Street; South
Main Street; and Castle Street, amongst others. A map
can be seen on the website [see address below].
Grants are available to assist owners and occupiers of
premises with the cost of undertaking painting work
necessary to improve building elevations fronting onto
the street in the defined area. Premises can be
commercial or mixed residential/commercial. The level
of funding available is up to 50% of the total cost of
eligible works, and up to a maximum value of €600
per building. Alternatively, if labour is provided by the
applicant then 100% of the cost of materials would be
met by a grant up to a maximum of €300.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications
is Friday, 27th April 2012 and qualifying applicants
will have until Friday, 31st August 2012 to submit a
payment claim to the Council under the Scheme.
Grant allocations are made on a competitive basis
and applications must be supported by competitive
quotations from tax compliant contractors / suppliers.
Details of the scheme and application forms may be
obtained from the City Councils website, or the
Planning Policy Section, Strategic Planning and
Economic Development Directorate, Cork City Council,
City Hall, Cork:
www.corkcity.ie/services/planningdevelopment/
grantsschemesincorkcity
Phone: (021) 4924757 / Fax: (021) 4924712
Email: planningpolicy@corkcity.ie
Pat Ledwidge, Director of Services,
Strategic Planning & Economic Development.
Tuesday, 27th March

Applications are invited for the Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) Grant Scheme 2012.

City Centre to Blackpool, and includes: the North Main Street ACA; the Shandon Street area the Blackpool,Gerard Griffin Street, GreatWilliam O’Brien Street and Thomas Davis Street area.



Cork City has 32 ACAs. The City Council has allocated
funds to assist the owners or occupiers of historic
buildings in the “scheme area 2012” to undertake
works necessary to secure their conservation. The level
of funding available is up to 50% of the total cost of
eligible works, and up to a maximum value of
€10,000 per building. The scheme is not intended to
assist in carrying out routine maintenance, alterations
or improvements. The scheme does not apply to works
begun before the commencement of the scheme.
The scheme area extends along Cork’s “historic spine”
from the City Centre to Blackpool, and includes: the
North Main Street ACA; the Shandon Street area
[forming part of the Shandon ACA] and the Blackpool
ACA, which includes Gerard Griffin Street, Great
William O’Brien Street and Thomas Davis Street. A
map of the defined area can be found on the website.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications
is Friday, 11th May 2012 and qualifying applicants
will have until Friday, 9th November 2012 to submit a
payment claim to the Council under the Scheme. The
fund is limited and grant allocations are made on a
competitive basis. Applications must be supported by
competitive quotations from tax compliant contractors.
Details of the scheme and application forms may be
obtained from the Planning Policy Section, Strategic
Planning and Economic Development Directorate,
Cork City Council, City Hall, Cork, or by the following
means:
www.corkcity.ie/services/planningdevelopment/
grantsschemesincorkcity
Email: conservation@corkcity.ie
Phone: (021) 4924757 / Fax: (021) 4924712
Pat Ledwidge, Director of Services,
Strategic Planning & Economic Development.
Tuesday, 27th March 2012

CORK'S ST PATRICK'S FESTIVAL INFO

CORK ST PATRICK'S FESTIVAL INFO

Thursday 16 Feb 2012 13:26 PM

ST PATRICK'S FESTIVAL

Road closures will be in place from 11.45. Merchants Quay will be kept open to traffic travelling west and north over Patrick's Bridge.

Sunday18th and Monday 19th March - Free Family Entertainment and market on Patrick Street from 10.00a.m. to 6p.m.

Visit www.corkstpatricksfestival.ie for further details.

Compulsory Purchase Order on the Blarney Square

Blarney Man and Cork City Councillor, Kenneth O’Flynn is calling on his counterparts in Cork County Council to make a Compulsory Purchase Order on the square in the centre of Blarney.



Cllr. O’Flynn who grew up in Blarney feels very strongly about this issue especially in light of the problems being felt by the organisers of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Farmers Market in securing the square for use over the Bank Holiday Weekend.



Last year, a farmers and craft market took place providing hours of entertaining to local people. Included among the activities were traditional Irish music, dancing, and artistic and gymnastic displays.



‘I was asked by local residents in the Blarney area to engage with the owner of the square, Sir Charles Colthurst as an honest broker. Despite my best efforts, no resolution could be found with regard to the public liability insurance requests being made by Sir. Charles and the Farmer’s Market will now take place at Blarney GAA grounds



‘It is an absolute shame that the regulations being imposed on the organisers are forcing it to leave the Square and find another home. This cannot happen again and this is why Cork County Council should CPO the square’ added Cllr. O’Flynn



‘This will take the burden off the Colthurst family in terms of regulating these activities and ensuring that the people of Blarney are able to enjoy this important amenity for years to come’



‘I will be raising this issue and the need for a CPO at the next Joint Meeting between Cork City and County Councils. It is too important to ignore and action is now needed’ concluded Cllr. O’Flynn.



-ENDS-

Plan to deal with derelict buildings by City Council is a welcome move

Plan to deal with derelict buildings by City Council is a welcome move – Cllr. Kenneth O’Flynn

‘The plan being put together by the City Manager, Tim Lucy to help deal with the scourge of derelict buildings in the City is a welcome initiative’ said Northside Fianna Fáil Councillor, Kenneth O’Flynn

‘At present, there are approximately 140 sites at various stages of dereliction throughout the city. Many of these derelict properties are to be found in Blackpool, Shandon Street, Barrack Street and the city centre’ added Cllr. O’Flynn.

‘I have been informed that Cork City Council is in continuous contact with the owners of properties in an effort to try and resolve this important issue for local businesses and residents. I am delighted to see that the City Manager is taking such a proactive and determined approach to this issue and to ensure that it is dealt with as speedily and efficiently as possible’

‘As part of the Cork City Council plan, the Shandon Street area will have a new Painting Scheme; The Blackpool, Shandon, and North Main Street areas will see a new scheme focused on upgrading buildings while the City Centre will benefit from the upgrading of historical buildings designed to allow existing buildings be brought back into use’ added Cllr. O’Flynn

‘The city is working with the probation services to develop a graffiti removal project to rapidly improve the public environment in the city’

‘The City Council is only able to do so much. Many owners of properties want to develop them and make them usable but require the banks to release funding to enable them finish off the developments. I am calling on the Government to force the banks to do more to support these entrepreneurs by allowing them bring life into the city and surrounding neighbourhoods’ concluded Cllr. Kenneth O’Flynn.

-ENDS-

comprehensive database of key contacts internationally

Cork City Council Motion

That Cork City Council will create a comprehensive database of key contacts internationally, consolidating the information received from project reports city departments/ organisations, building up a ‘map’ of figures internationally who have already supported Cork interests that can be used as a resource for future international projects. 

*

Currently each organisation who travels internationally from Cork builds up their own international links (generally a slow ‘trial and error approach of sending out blind emails) but there is no coordinated city effort to sustain these newly forged ties after the project is over. When the next organisation who goes abroad, this process starts from the beginning again, trying to form new ties, which are then exclusive to the organisation, and often fade if the event organised is just a once off. This is a key issue in why long term plans for international relations are hard to form. Mutual contacts/personal recommendations are the most effective way for organisations to make an impact when they travel internationally.

When any organisation supported by the City Council goes abroad, a key element of their report should be to outline the contacts they have made, stating the field in which they are based, how the contact was made, and how they can be contacted again.

This information is included into an international ‘map’ of contacts that are divided into various industries and artistic fields within each city. With each contact, information included would be the history of the city’s contact with that figure/organisation. Thus, the city can put organisations travelling abroad in direct contact with the key people in the region that they are travelling to, people who have a track record of supporting Cork City projects.

(The issue of how much personal information that could be given out from this database would have to be investigated. If the giving out of contact details was not possible, the city could put the organisation looking to travel abroad in touch with the original organisation who made the contacts, who could then make the introduction. This is far more effective than organisations blindly sending out letters introducing themselves. )

Senior Citizens must be protected at all costs - O'Flynn

Northside Councillor Kenneth O'Flynn has today launched a blistering attack on IMF recommendations which include the cutting of free travel and medical cards for the over 70's.



'The IMF has recently told the Fine Gael / Labour Government to find savings by scrapping free schemes for the elderly and in particular those schemes which are of most use and support to one of the most vulnerable sectors of our community. Included in the draconian recommendations are the supports to help older people pay for their electricity and gas, their TV license, free travel and medical card scheme' said Cllr. O'Flynn.



'This is by far the most worrying and upsetting proposal to come from the Troika. While in Government, my party spared this sector of society from regressive cuts because it was this generation who endured the very tough 1950's and1960's and contributed so much to Ireland's economic growth in the 1970's and 1980's'


'Fine Gael and Labour have a choice to make. Will they tow the Troika line with regard to these cuts or will they follow Fianna Fáil's lead in reducing the impact of budget cuts on this important sector of society' asked Cllr. O'Flynn.



'The Governments decision not to exempt the elderly from the Household Charge and Labour's U-Turn on reversing the Universal Social Charge mean that our pensioners are facing tough choices when it comes to spending their money. Will they have to chose between food and heat?'


'These schemes are much more than payments to older people. They give them independence, allow them to keep in touch with their friends and family and have a better quality of life' argued Cllr. O'Flynn.


O'Flynn went on to say that he will opposed these regressive and shortsighted attacks on the elderly even if it means 'taking to the streets'.

O’Flynn calls on Government to change rules to allow Single Parents take part in Job Bridge

Cynical attempt by Fine Gael and Labour to massage the Live Register



Cork City Councillor, Kenneth O’Flynn is calling for the Government to urgently address an anomaly in the Social Welfare legislation that prohibits people in receipt of the One Parent Family Payment from gaining access to the Job Bridge Scheme which was designed to get people back into the work force.



‘This is a totally unjust and inexcusable situation. Where is the sense is not allowing these people gain access to internships which will further their chances of gaining employment’ said the Fianna Fáil Councillor.



‘Fine Gael and Labour are targeting those in receipt of this payment far more than others. Many single parents find it very difficult to transition into the workforce and internships are a very important tool in giving them the skills to make them more employable’ added Cllr. O’Flynn.



‘Many single parents have come into my constituency office in the last few weeks deeply annoyed that they are ineligible. They are asking “why are Government picking on us?”’



This is a cynical attempt by the Government to reduce the Live Register to make themselves look good rather than focusing on helping everyone who needs support in returning to work



‘Fine Gael and Labour should be ashamed of themselves’ concluded Cllr. O’Flynn

Cultural Ambassadors for Cork City

Cultural Ambassadors for Cork City.





Northside Councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has today welcomed comments by Director of Services who is committed to engaging with stakeholders from Social, Cultural, Business and Education sectors to find a number of Cultural Ambassadors for Cork City.

Councillor O’Flynn who proposed the Cultural Ambassador Programme that would see well known Cork public figures from the arts, cultural and sports arena promoting festivals and events and shopping in Cork City.

O’Flynn said “that now more than ever we need to be using Cork’s famous sons and daughters for promoting the City”. O’Flynn went on to say “in a number of countries Ambassador programmes have worked with great success in the economic promotion of cities and districts. I would also like to see an Ambassador programme being rolled out for international students. I have witnessed first hand this scheme being ran in Spain where international students are bringing cities and towns to the attention of their friends and families in different countries and encouraging them to visit.”

Information Bulletin

New 'one-stop' shops are to be established in each county and city council to facilitate the start-up of small businesses. The new units known as "Local Enterprise Offices' will sit firmly within the county/city council structure. The councils will absorb the County Enterprise Board functions and dovetail them with those of the Business Support Units in each county to form the new Local Enterprise Offices. The fact that the new Enterprise offices will sit within the County/City Council structure will be viewed as a welcome development.

Extract from Department of the Environment statement:

'The “One Stop Shops” will be called “Local Enterprise Offices” and will build on the significant work done by the CEBs to date. The new “one-stop-shop” micro enterprise support structure will be achieved through the dissolution of the existing CEBs and the creation of a new Micro Enterprise and Small Business Unit in Enterprise Ireland (EI) that will work with Local Authorities to establish a new network of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in each Local Authority.



The LEOs will be mandated to provide a range of supports and services to all local micro enterprises who seek such supports. Essentially, the LEOs will carry out the combined work of the CEBs and the Business Support Units of the Local Authorities.



The new LEOs will offer:

• Local business advisory services (licensing, regulation, planning, etc);

• Information and support for accessing the local procurement process;

• Close coupling to NEES (National Employment and Entitlements Service) /SOLAS (Seirbhísí Oideachais Leanunaigh agus Scileanna) services (referrals, access to training/development/recruitment);

• Access to micro-business supports/incentives (finance, innovation, marketing, mentoring, management development); and

• Progression for high-growth companies to appropriate EI supports."

It's not rocket science

Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are still struggling to raise money from banks despite an agreement between lenders and the government, a report has revealed

SMEs are increasingly looking to give away stakes in their companies in return for cash

government's strategy of rebalancing the economy is not working we need reduce the risk and improve access to finance for small and medium businesses Startups and small firms should be right at the heart of our economic plan.

we need to be cutting the amount of rules and regulations so that businesses can have more freedom to grow.

"By removing unnecessary barriers to growth and providing more finance and mentoring opportunities for SMEs we are creating a positive business environment that will help boost economic growth
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My Motions before Cork City Council Council for the last six months

7/12/11


A. That Cork City Council call the government to recognise That significant cost differential and limited bandwidth not only puts the Cork region at a severe economic disadvantage to attract investment it also poses challenges to retain existing industry whose bandwidth needs are continuing to expand



B. And that a Tier 1 international connectivity is essential if Cork is to realise its potential and support the development of new digital industries
C.And acknowledges the recent Forfás report confirms that the games industry globally is expected to grow to $82.5 billion by 2015, and that Ireland has the potential to more than double its employment in core games activities to 4,500 people. However, this growth requires availability of and access to competitively-priced next generation broadband. The report acknowledges that Ireland lags behind its competitors in terms of next generation networks and services

Cllr Kenneth N. O'Flynn





7/12/11


That Cork City Council

A. notes the significant contribution made to the economy by commercial rate payers; accepts that many small businesses are experiencing difficulty in paying their rates to local authorities and that this is contributing to the closure of businesses across the country and job losses;

B. agrees that the re-valuation exercise currently being undertaken by the Valuation Office will take too long to roll out across the country with most local authorities not addressing a rate reduction in any meaningful way;

C. asserts that the current system makes no allowance for ability to pay or changed economic circumstances and that the valuation system and charges setting mechanisms are archaic and complex;

D. further notes that the Local Government Efficiency Review Group has identified savings of €511 million that can be made in the sector;

E. calls on the Government to immediately commit to a review of the present rates system and identify better and fairer alternatives such as a self assessment method;

F. further calls on the Government to immediately begin a process of substantial commercial valuation reduction across each local authority in the country;

G. advocates that the Government implements an effective rebate and refund scheme for small businesses;

H. further advocates that the Government introduce a rate system which is user friendly and recognises economic circumstances and the ability to pay;

I. calls on the Government specifically to delete the subsequent occupier clause and apply that retrospectively

J. urges the Government to ensure that seasonality is taken into account in calculating the valuation of business properties that are fully closed for a significant part of the year;

K. advocates that the Government grant a 50% reduction on the rates charged on offshore islands in view of the additional cost of doing business in the islands;

L. urges the Government to implement immediately the recommendations of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group.”


Cllr Kenneth N. O'Flynn







24 nov 11




The Motion of Cork City Council
Cork City Council replaces all the cobblestone work in Chapel Hill Shandon with new cobblestone

Cllr Kenneth O'Flynn PC









23 nov 11
That Cork City Council Calls on the Government to commit to an urgent review of local authority rates with a view to introducing a much fairer and more reasonable system for local businesses.














22 Nov
That Cork City Council calls on the government two



A. keep their promise made by Ruairi Quinn TD, as Labour Spokesperson on Education four days before the General Election held on the 25th February to the Union of Students of Ireland not to implement student fees nor increase the Student registration fee and to reverse the increase of €500 made the last Government
B. oppose the decision to reduce grant aid to those students pursuing Masters, Post Grad, Higher Diplomas and PhD level courses

C. for acknowledgement of the need for a properly funded 3rd and 4th Level Education system that allows all students attend regardless of their financial background

Cllr Kenneth N. O'Flynn










30-oct-11

That cork city council call on the Minster of finance to provide much needed funding for the docklands bridge and development.








26-oct-2011
Motion for Council



That Cork City Council open Cork City Hall Concert hall on a Sunday afternoon by-monthly, to facilitate a senior citizen tea dance inviting all senior citizen groups from across the city to take part.

Kenneth N. O'Flynn







24- oct-2011
That cork city council develop an application for smart phones giving detailed city guide of the following:
1. Hotels
2. Restaurants
3. Shops
4. arts and craft
5. Farmers Markets
6. Nightlife, entertainment and cinema
7. Tourism
8. Culture
9. Art
10. Festival information
11. touristic activities
12. Golf course
13. Taxi and rent a car
14. Essentials
15. Maps.
16. Spa
17. Sporting events

Funding may be found for this by way of selling advertising on the application making it Self supporting


Kenneth N. O'Flynn



15- oct -11



That Cork City Council introduce a full ban on election posters throughout the city and ensure that postings can only be used on private billboards or on private property.



12-oct-11

That Cork City Council introduce an incentive program for commercial ratepayers who are continuously upgrading the appearance of their property in the city.



11-Oct-2011



That a role of Cultural Ambassador be established on Cork City Council. The role should be occupied by a well-known public figure that has worked in the arts and cultural arena. The ambassadorship would be primarily to promote festivals and events in Cork and the advancement of Cork as the cultural hub of Ireland.




29 sep
Motion for Council


That Cork City Council immediately cleans out the River Bride and cut back all branches protruding over the river and neighbouring gardens


28 Sep
Motion
That Cork City Council in conjunction with An Garda Siochana install CCTV in Kerry Hall Road and Fair Hill
Cllr Kenneth O’Flynn P.C.

28 Sep
Motion for Council



That Cork City Council install traffic claming measures on Assumption Road
Councillor Kenneth O'Flynn


18/8/2011: Motion for Cork City Council

That Cork City Council introduce A Non-motorised passenger transporter bye laws

With Requirements, of the following:
1. Issue of Licence
2. Obligation to obtain a Licence.
3. Fee for Licence
4. Designated Hiring Stands
5. Number of Licences granted annually
6. Requirements for issue of Licence
7. Particulars on Licence
8. Conditions of Licence
9. Right of Appeal
10.Obligation to present valid licence for inspection.
11.Renewal of Licence
12.Return of, and re-issue of Licence
13.Indemnity from Liability
14.Obligation of operator for repair and cleanliness of vehicle
15.Conditions for parking of vehicle
16.Issue and Display of Assigned Licence number on vehicle
17.Permitted number of passengers in respect of Rickshaw
18.Prohibition on certain parts of City where Rickshaws /Hackney carriages shall not be operated through at any time.
19.Permitted number of passengers in respect of Hackney carriage
20.Suitability of Horse(s)
21.Condition on Treatment of Horse(s)
22.Conditions for operator on conduct of Horse(s)
23.Obligation for management and disposal of waste
24.Rules of Conduct for Proprietor/Driver of Rickshaw/Hackney carriage
25.Obligation to provide vehicle with adequate lighting
26.Obligation to display Schedule of Fares
27.Prohibition on placement of advertising signage in public areas
28.Prohibition the operation of non-motorised commercial transporters and other non- motorised passenger vehicles
29.Return and Transfer of Licence
30.Falsified documents
31.Offences
32.Non-Compliance with Bye-Laws and Contravention of Bye-Law



Kenneth N. O'Flynn


Motion for Council

That Cork City Council in conjunction with Cork County Council create an exploratory research committee with responsibility for maximizing Corks harbour potential for both boats and yachts races and maritime events


Kenneth N. O'Flynn