Funding for Cork’s roads increased by €9 million for 2021
THE announcement of a significant increase in Cork County Council’s allocation of funding for the maintenance and renewal of the county’s extensive regional and local road network has been welcomed by local public representatives.
It emerged this week that Cork County has been allocated €66,581,844 under a €555m roads maintenance package announced this week by Transport Minister Eamonn Ryan and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton.
The Cork County allocation includes just over €32m for improvement works, €5.3m for restoration/maintenance, €4.6m for climate adaptation, €2.5m for drainage works and €1.8m for bridge rehabilitation works.
Cork East Fianna Fail TD and party spokesperson for transport, Deputy James O’Connor, pointed out the Cork County allocation represented a €9 million increase on the figure for 2020.
He said it was ‘critical’ that Cork’s regional road network was kept in good condition.
“The increase in funding highlights the Government’s commitment to further strengthening our road network and ensuring towns and villages across the county remain commented,” said Deputy O’Connor.
He said that local councillors will be given a specific breakdown of the funding allocated to their areas through their Municipal District officers.
Cllr John Paul O’Shea (FG) also welcomed the funding announcement and said such funding is important for the county.
“Maintaining our regional and local road network is not only important for connectivity, but crucial to ensuring safety on our roads, reducing road collisions and protecting lives,” said Cllr O’Shea.
A MAN who has helped influence and shape the lives of countless young people over the past four decades has been honoured with the Cork Person of the Month award for February.
Brother Ben Cusack was the popular principal of Sullivan’s Quay CBS between 1981 and 2006 and founder of the Edmund Rice Youth Club, better known to thousands of young people as the Bro’s Club’ after Br Ben.
Realising the need to respond to the needs of young people outside of schools hours, Br Ben founded the Youth Club, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
Although retired from teaching, he still devotes much of his spare time to the club, working with a dedicated team of volunteers to ensure its continuing success.
Person of the Month/Year awards organiser, Mallow-native Manus O’Callaghan, said many generations grown up with and attended the ‘Bro’s Club’, including members of the bands Sultan’s of Ping and the Frank and Walters.
“Br Ben Cusack’s contribution as an educator and a mentor has been immense. A very modest man, he always gives credit to other volunteers from the community for their work at the Youth Club,” said Mr O’Callaghan.
In 1994, Br Ben received an honorary Masters degree from University College Cork (UCC) to mark his contribution to young people and to education. He was also the recipient of a Lord Mayor’s Award from Cork City Council, which he received in 2005.
Originally from Waterford, he is an avid sports fan, especially of Waterford hurling. He is also involved with St. Finbarr’s Hurling & Football Club, Cork.
“Br Ben Cusack has many friends and huge
support in the educational and sporting community here in Cork, particularly among past students and parents of Sullivan’s Quay CBS and all those associated with his famous Youth Club,” said Mr O’Callaghan.
“He is a thoroughly deserving recipient of this award for his outstanding contribution to education and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his Youth Club.”
Brother Ben’s name will go forward with those of the other monthly winners for possible selection as the Cork Person of the Year.