March 7, 2024

Community Demands That Uisce Éireann Address 25-Year Environmental Disaster

An image of Barry O'Mahony, standing on Shannonvale Bridge, holding up a pint glass filled with sewage-contaminated water, gathered from the surface of Shannonvale Park. In the background is the River Argideen, and a section of its North bank is visible.

It has been known, since at least as far back as 1998, to Cork County Council, and their successor organisations responsible for Water Services, Irish Water, and Uisce Éireann, that untreated sewage has been escaping from a failed sewage treatment system into a public park in the village of Shannonvale, Clonakilty, County Cork. This area, which serves as the village’s …

Continue reading
February 2, 2024

Progress Needed on Rosscarbery Playground

I spoke to the Southern Star this week about concerns that the redevelopment of Rosscarbery Playground could be seriously hindered by excessive red tape. At the heart of the issue is a lack of official clarity on the ownership of the ground on which the playground sits. A convoluted system of licences and permits is required, involving not only Cork …

Continue reading
February 2, 2024

West Cork Needs Small Businesses

The tourism and hospitality industry is of massive importance to West Cork, providing thousands of jobs, and bringing substantial revenue to the local economy. Lately we have seen a lot of press coverage on the topic of small cafés and restaurants going out of business due to the ever-rising cost of essential supplies and services. Sadly, for people working in …

Continue reading
January 21, 2024

Make County Cork an Apartheid-Free Zone

On Monday 22nd January 2024, Cork County Council will vote on a motion to support the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, by declaring itself an Apartheid-Free Zone. I would urge every person in West Cork to support this motion, by emailing the sitting councillors in your area, urging them to vote in favour of the motion. You can email …

Continue reading