Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Keep Well, Keep Movin Health Festival 15th April Silversprings

 


Keep Well, Keep Movin’: A Health Festival Empowering Older Adults in Cork

Staying active, informed, and connected is more important than ever as we grow older and this April, an exciting event in Cork is bringing all of that together in one place. 

The Keep Well, Keep Movin’ Health Festival is set to be a vibrant, informative, and welcoming day dedicated entirely to supporting the health and wellbeing of older adults.

A Day Focused on Health and Wellbeing

Taking place on Wednesday, 15th April 2026, from 10:00am to 3:00pm, this free event promises a wealth of resources, guidance, and community connection. Hosted with the support of the Cork North and East Community Work Department, HSE Southwest, the festival is designed to address the real and evolving health needs of older people in the region.

What to Expect

The festival offers a rich mix of presentations and interactive opportunities, all tailored specifically for older adults:

  • Informative Presentations
    Experts will deliver talks covering key health topics relevant to later life—helping attendees better understand how to maintain physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
  • 25+ Information Stands
    A wide range of services will be represented, including Cork Cultural Companions, HSE supports, statutory services, and community and voluntary organisations. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore what’s available locally, ask questions, and discover supports you may not have known about.
  • Community Connection
    Beyond the information, the event is a chance to meet others, share experiences, and feel part of a supportive community focused on healthy living.

Why Events Like This Matter

As we age, access to clear, reliable health information becomes essential. Events like Keep Well, Keep Movin’ not only provide that information but also empower individuals to take control of their wellbeing. They bridge the gap between services and the people who need them, making support more accessible and approachable.

Equally important is the social aspect. Staying connected plays a huge role in overall health, and gatherings like this foster a sense of belonging and encouragement.

How to Attend

While admission is completely freebooking is essential to secure your place.

To register:

Final Thoughts

The KeepWell, Keep Movin’ Health Festival is a celebration of healthy ageing, community support, and proactive wellbeing. Whether you’re looking for advice, resources, or simply a positive day out, this festival is well worth attending.

Mark your calendar, book your spot, and take a step toward staying well—and keep movin’.


Midleton GAA Healthy Club - Positive Mental Health Talk (Power Up Your Mind)

 

A poster for a public wellness workshop by Midleton GAA Healthy Club on April 15th, set against a lakeside landscape.


Join us for an uplifting evening dedicated to nurturing mental well-being. Open to everyone (not suitable for under 14s) this event features a panel of insightful speakers who will explore the foundations of positive mental health. Topics include building resilience, the impact of nutrition on mental strength, and strategies for navigating life’s challenges.

Venue: Midleton GAA Club. Eircode: P25TD73

Date & Time: Wednesday 15th April, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Age Group: Open to ages 14+

Speakers on the night are:

  • Dr. Ant Kiernan – Senior Clinical Psychologist
  • Jen O’ Callaghan – Nutritional Therapist & Health Coach
  • BrĂ­d Stack – Former All Ireland Winning Cork Ladies Footballer

2026 CLÁR Measure 1 Scheme Outline and Application Form






CLÁR 2026 has been launched by The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Dara Calleary TD. Please find the link to the Press Release: Media Release: Minister Calleary launches CLÁR 2026 programme - Cork County PPN 

 

The Local Authority is responsible for the administration of Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities applications which will be accepted on a prioritised basis. The Measure 1 Scheme Outline, application form, and municipal offices contact details are available at CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) Scheme | Cork County Council.

 

*Points to note*

·        Complete project applications should be submitted to the relevant Municipal Districts Office.

·        Complete project applications must be submitted on or before Friday 29th May 2026.  Incomplete applications should be avoided and will be returned.

·        After evaluation of the projects, the Community, Tourism & Rural Development directorate will submit the top 16 projects (2 of which must be Gaeltacht areas) for approval to the Department.

 

For your information, please find attached:

 

 

 

Measure 2 and 3 Scheme Outlines seek applications directly to the Department to assist groups and community organisations. Please feel free to bring these Measures to the attention of all relevant groups and community organisations in your area. The scheme outlines and application forms are available at CLÁR Measures

For all queries on Measures 2 and 3, please contact CLAR@drcd.gov.ie



Best regards,

Noelle Nally | PPN Support & Development Worker | Cork County PPN
Community, Tourism & Rural Development
Cork County Council | Cork | T12 R2NC Ireland
T (021) 4285265 | M +353 860597563
Noelle.Nally@corkcoco.ie
Cork County PPN | Public Participation Network

Cork County PPN Spring Plenary

 


 

We’re highlighting a mix of community initiatives and events — from the Community Paint Grant

 Scheme supporting local projects, to creative opportunities like the East Cork Songwritin Festival,

 alongside ongoing Dementia Awareness Workshops and pop-up volunteer supports.

As always, there are plenty of ways to get involved — including Linkage Groups, voluntary vacancies, 

and opportunities to engage in local decision-making and policy development.

On the funding side, this week features the launch of the CLÁR 2026 programme, supporting 

community facilities and rural development projects, along with other ongoing supports for community

 groups. Finally, we’re sharing several important consultations and surveys, including a new initiative

 exploring how the community sector can engage with AI, as well as opportunities to contribute to

 national health and volunteering policy.Another full and engaging edition — with lots of ways to connect,

 contribute, and support communities across Cork County.

Newsletter 27.03.2026 - Cork County PPN 


Best regards,

Noelle Nally | PPN Support & Development Worker | Cork County PPN
Community, Tourism & Rural Development
Cork County Council | Cork | T12 R2NC Ireland
T (021) 4285265 | M +353 860597563
Noelle.Nally@corkcoco.ie
Cork County PPN | Public Participation Network



County Mayor’s Charity Gala 2026

 

Group of people posing in front of a hotel with a bicycle sculpture on a sunny day.

Logos for RNLI Lifeboats, Down Syndrome Ireland, and Cancer Connect Transport.

'Summer by the Sea'

Saturday 2nd May | Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal, Co. Cork.

Join County Mayor Cllr Mary Linehan Foley for a very special evening at the Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal, on Saturday 2nd May 2026 at 6pm.

This year’s County Mayor’s Charity Gala brings a fresh “Summer by the Sea” theme, inspired by Youghal’s beautiful coastal setting and promising a relaxed, fun-filled night of great food, music and celebration.

Guests can enjoy:

  • Drinks reception on arrival
  • A delicious three-course meal showcasing local produce
  • Live entertainment and dancing
  • A charity raffle with fantastic prizes

All proceeds from the evening will go in support of three incredible charities:

RNLI Youghal, Down Syndrome Cork and Cancer Connect, Youghal

Step into the spirit of the night — from flowing dresses to your brightest summer shirts, bring a little seaside style and your own summer breeze.

RNLI Youghal
RNLI Youghal is a volunteer‑run lifeboat station providing a 24‑hour emergency search and rescue service along the East Cork coastline.
Part of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, it saves lives at sea and promotes water safety in the local community.
The station operates an inshore Atlantic 85 lifeboat crewed by highly trained volunteers.

Down Syndrome Cork

Down Syndrome Cork is a volunteer‑led charity supporting people with Down syndrome and their families across Cork.
It provides education, therapies, social programmes and lifelong supports to help members reach their full potential.
The organisation works to promote inclusion, independence and quality of life at every stage of life.

Cancer Connect, Youghal
Cancer Connect provides a free, volunteer‑driven transport service for people travelling from East Cork to Cork hospitals for cancer treatment.
Based in Youghal, it supports patients attending radiotherapy, chemotherapy and related appointments.
The service reduces stress and isolation by ensuring safe, reliable and compassionate transport.

Click the 'Book Now link to book.

Charity gala invitation with a seaside sunset background, featuring details about the event and logos of supporting organizations.

County Cork Commercial Vacancy Survey Now Open



Property

County Cork Commercial Vacancy Survey 
Now Open 
 

Cork County Council has launched a survey for the owners of commercial town and village centre 

properties to understand what capacity there is in the towns and villages of County Cork to convert

 ‘over the shop’ or ‘back of the shop’ spaces for residential use. 

The survey can be accessed online at  www.corkcoco.ie or by contacting Cork County Council’s Town 

RegenerationOffice at townregenerationoffice@corkcoco.ie or 021 4285317 / 021 4285397

 to request a hard copy of the survey for completion. 

Why?

Encouraging people to live in our towns and villages is key to village vitality and town regeneration.

In recognition of this, recent Government announcements indicate expanded financial supports in 2026

 from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to bring underutilised space above or

 behind existing commercial premises into residential use.  A grant of up to €95,000 will be available

 where one residential unit iscreated, with an additional €20,000 where two residential units are

 delivered and a further €20,000 where three or more units are provided.  In addition, up to €5,000

 will be available to cover expert advice on the conversion of these properties for residential use,

 bringing the total potential support package to €140,000.

  

Survey objectives:

  • gauge the capacity of our towns and villages to support additional residential accommodation 
  • in our built heritage.
  • understand the willingness of commercial property owners to participate in the conversion
  •  scheme and optimise the use of vacant or under-utilised properties.

 

When?

The County Cork Commercial Vacancy Survey is now open and will remain open for responses until

 Thursday April 30th 2026. 



Best regards,

Noelle Nally | PPN Support & Development Worker | Cork County PPN
Community, Tourism & Rural Development
Cork County Council | Cork | T12 R2NC Ireland
T (021) 4285265 | M +353 860597563
Noelle.Nally@corkcoco.ie
Cork County PPN | Public Participation Network

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

The Lord Mayor of Cork urges Primary Schools in the City to enter Cork School Garden Competition for 2026

 

The Lord Mayor of Cork urges Primary Schools in the City to enter Cork School Garden Competition for 2026

 

LtR.  Una Leader, Scientist for Environmental Awareness, Green Schools and Circular Economy Cork City Council. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy and Cathy Davis and Bethany Elvins  of St. Mary’s Special School Rochestown at the launch of the Cork School Garden Competition in Atkins GardenWorld

Atkins Garden World was the venue as the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Feargal Dennehy launched the annual School Garden competition for Primary Schools in Cork City.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy emphasized the significance of school and community gardens in promoting Cork City Council’s biodiversity initiatives. He remarked, “These initiatives play a crucial role in our aim to achieve net-zero carbon emissions within the next decade. Cork City Council takes pride in collaborating with Muintir na Tire, Cork County Council, and Atkins Garden World on this creative project, and I encourage all primary schools in the city to get involved. Participating in this competition allows young people to develop a passion for horticulture and explore various facets of biodiversity, providing an invaluable learning experience that can spark a lifelong journey in gardening.”

Cork City Council was also represented by Una Leader, Scientist for Environmental Awareness, Green Schools and Circular Economy

 Cork County Federation of Muintir na Tire was represented by Sean Holland, Pauline O'Dwyer, Sean Finn, Finbar Motherway, Helen Kennedy and Denis Kelly, while Atkins Garden World was represented by Manager Cornelia Creedon.

St. Mary’s Special School Rochestown, winners of the Best School Garden in Cork City in 2025, were represented by Cathy Davis and pupil Bethany Elvins 

Cathy Davis and Bethany Elvins  of St. Mary’s Special School Rochestown at the launch of the Cork School Garden Competition in Atkins GardenWorld

For full competition details and Entry form go to https://www.muintircork.com/cork-school-gardens