New Rethink Ireland fund to invest €1.1 million in community-led change across Munster and Wexford
Rethink Ireland has launched Impact Fund 2025, a €1.1 million initiative designed to support innovative, community-led projects across Munster and Wexford. The fund, established by Rethink Ireland in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, as well as a suite of philanthropic donors, will back up to eight high-impact projects strengthening social inclusion, wellbeing, and environmental resilience at a local level across the south of Ireland.
Rethink Ireland is the national funding body supporting the most innovative non-profit organisations and social enterprises working to create a more just, equal and sustainable Ireland.?
Impact Fund 2025 is created by Rethink Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, in partnership with the Parkes Family, Limerick; the Estate of Mary Coffey c/o Pat Toomey, Tipperary; the Hospital Saturday Fund; The Luan Fund, Cork; Ed Murphy, Wexford; Turas Nua and The Ireland Funds.
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
As the Christmas period approaches, An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority are appealing to all road users to stay safe and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
To date this year, 166 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads.
Over the Christmas and New Year period, there is an increase in the use of the roads for recreational purposes and the risk of fatal or serious injury road traffic collisions is increased.
An Garda Síochána is conducting a dedicated road traffic enforcement operation throughout the Christmas period, which began at 7:00am this morning, Monday 1 December 2025 and continues until 7:00am on Monday 5 January 2026.
Every member of An Garda Síochána on duty will be out conducting road traffic enforcement activity.
There will be an increased presence on the roads to detect drink and drug drivers and also to deter key risk behaviours such as speeding, mobile phone use and non-wearing of seat belts.
According to a new survey from the Road Safety Authority*, 12% of drivers admitted to having driven after consuming alcohol in the past 12 months.
The survey found that the most common scenario for a driver to be on the road while potentially over the legal alcohol limit is after drinking in a pub/restaurant, or at home, and then driving on a rural road, with a slightly higher likelihood of this occurring over a weekend.
A smaller percentage of drivers (4%) admit to having driven after using illicit drugs over the past 12 months.
To date (30/11/2025) An Garda Síochána has detected nearly 8,000 drivers, Driving under the Influence of an Intoxicant (Drugs or Alcohol) and carried out over 93,000 checkpoints.
Assistant Commissioner Catharina Gunne, Roads Policing and Community Engagement said:
“We are appealing to all those that will be taking to the roads over the Christmas period to slow down, take extra care and to give your driving your full attention and never, ever drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
“Many people will be out socialising with colleagues, friends and family over the next few weeks. Please plan your ahead for your journey. Leave the car at home. Use taxis and public transport where possible to get home and avoid driving the following morning also. Members of An Garda Síochána will be out day and night across the country as part of our enforcement campaign. We will intercept drink and drug drivers. If convicted, you will lose your licence. Please don’t be one of them.
“166 people have lost their lives on our roads so far this year. No Garda wants to be calling to your family’s door this Christmas.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety, Seán CanneyT.D., said:
“I welcome An Garda Síochána’s plans over the busy Christmas period. Gardaí will be out in force testing drivers and can test for drink and drugs at the roadside.
“My absolute priority as Minister for Road Safety is to see a reduction in the number of deaths on our roads. My message is simple: be safe this Christmas. Do not drive while intoxicated, do not speed, wear your seatbelt, and do not drive while distracted.
“Do not put your life or the lives of others at risk. Don’t let friends or family drink and drive. If you plan to socialise – plan how you are to get home safely, and if you have been out the night before, think before you start the car. Alcohol and drugs can remain in your system longer than you think. The consequences are real and tragically, can be fatal.”
Sam Waide, Chief Executive Officer, Road Safety Authority, said:
“Christmas should be a time of joy, not loss. Our research has shown that over a third of drivers killed between 2016 and 2020 had a positive toxicology for alcohol. These decisions leave empty seats at family tables and communities devastated. I’m urging everyone: if you’re drinking or using drugs, don’t drive – ever. Plan your journey, use alternative transport, and look out for one another. Together, we can prevent tragedy on our roads this Christmas.”
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
Fermoy Community Health Project, Fermoy Community Resource Centre and the Fermoy Committee of Cork Mental Health invite you to their annual Lights of Love Remembrance Tree event. The event takes place on Sunday, 7th December, 5 to 6pm, at the Fermoy Community Resource Centre, 42 McCurtain Street. All are warmly welcome.
What to expect at the Lights of Love Remembrance Event
Sponsor a Light (5pm – 5.45pm)
When you arrive, you will be welcomed into the Fermoy Community Resource Centre and guided towards the Cahill Room. Here, if you wish, you may sponsor a light on the Remembrance Tree for a €5 donation — each light symbolising the memory of someone special.
Each sponsorship includes a Lights of Love remembrance card, printed this year on plantable seeded paper.
You can also write a named dedication for the memory frame, which will be displayed beside the tree throughout the Christmas and New Year season.
Taking Time to Reflect (throughout the hour)
Guests are invited to enjoy seasonal refreshments in the kitchen, kindly provided by Meals on Wheels. Music will be performed by the Fermoy Men’s Group choir. You are welcome to spend time in the peaceful garden, or to connect with others in this shared spirit of remembrance and comfort.
Tree Lighting Ceremony (5.45pm – 6pm)
We will gather together in the courtyard in front of the Remembrance Tree for reflections, the lighting ceremony, and a final piece of music. The ceremony will be live-streamed on the Facebook page Lights of Love Remembrance Tree Event – Fermoy.
The lights on the tree will continue to shine throughout the Christmas season, offering a symbol of hope and remembrance as we move into the New Year. For more information, contact Jacinta McCormack, Community Health Worker, on 085 874 2320.
Jacinta McCormack
Oibrí Sláinte Pobail Fhear Maí
Fermoy Community Health Worker
Tionscadal Sláinte Pobail Fhear Maí | Ionad Acmhainní Pobail Fhear Maí | 42 Sráid McCurtain | Fhear Maí | Co. Chorcaí | P61 T267
Fermoy Community Health Project | Fermoy Community Resource Centre | 42 McCurtain Street | Fermoy | Co Cork | P61 T267
Towns and villages across the county are inviting people to experience the best of what County Cork has to offer while supporting local businesses, jobs and communities. Cork County Council is delighted to support a host of community groups and organisations in bringing festive light and cheer to their towns and village.
Below is a selection of just some of the festive events taking place across the county this year. Please note events are subject to change, please check local arrangements before travelling.
Cork County Council is also providing for special car parking arrangements across its own operated car parks throughout the month of December. Visitors are encouraged to check the offers in their local area.
Town/Village
Event
Date
Time
Location
Bandon
Christmas Lights Switch on
22nd November
6.30pm
Ballinacarriga
Ballinacarriga Christmas Craft Fair
22nd November
1-5pm
Ballinacarriga & Lisbealad, Community Hall
Mallow - In the Plaza
Mallow Christmas Lights Switch on
23rd November
4-5pm
Fermoy - Patrick Street
Christmas Lights Switch on
23rd November
5.30pm
Clonakilty
Clonakilty Christmas Lights
23rd November
3pm Knockskeagh Choir, 3.15pm Clonakilty Brass Band, 4.15pm Believe and Santa arrive, 5.15pm Kilmeen Elf Parade & Snow Queen to Emmet Square for switching on of lights
Astna Square & Emmet Square
Bantry
Bantry Macra na Feirme Tractor Run
23rd November
Registration at 12, leaving at 2pm
Barrett's Yard, Bantry P75KN96
Dunmanway
Three Family History Classes
27th November
2.15pm
Charleville
Charleville Christmas Lights Switch on
28th November
5-6pm
Macroom
Christmas Lights Switch on
28th November
7pm
Dunmanway Lake
Lakeside Illumination
28th November
7pm
Bantry
Switch on of lights in Bantry town
28th November
TBC
New Street, Bantry
Ahiohill
Ahiohill Christmas Craft Fair
29th November
4pm, Santa arrives at 5pm
The Four Winds Pub, Ahiohill
Millstreet
Christmas Lights Switch on
30th November
6pm
Ballineen
BEDA Christmas Fair
30th November
12 noon to 4pm
BEDA Hall, Ballineen
Dunmanway
Dunmanway Christmas Market
4th December
2- 7pm
West End Yard
Bantry
Bantry Garden Centre Indoor Festive Christmas Market
4th December
10 am - 2pm
Bantry Garden Centre at the NLN, Donemark, Bantry
Bantry
Santa @ the Black Gate, Kilcrohane
6th & 7th December
The Black Gate, Kilcrohane
The Lake Dunmanway
Victorian Christmas Carols
6th December
3.30pm
Castletownbere
Turning on of Christmas Lights
6th December
TBC
The Square, Castletownbere
Bantry
Mealagh Valley Community Hall Christmas Craft Workshop
6th December
11am -1pm or 2pm-4pm
Mealagh Community Hall, P75K253
Clogagh N.S. Craft Fair
7th December
10 am until 5 pm
Clogagh Hall, P72EP38
Castletownbere
Christmas Market Day & Santa Day in Scoil an Chroi Ro Naofa
7th December
TBC
Scoil an Chroi Ro Naofa
Allihies
Santa in Allihies Hall
7th December
12.30 pm
Allihies Hall
Bantry
Christmas Market & Santa
7th December
New Street
Mallow Castle Illumination Walk
7th December
4-7PM
Mallow Castle
Macroom
Christmas Market
9th December
9am (all Day)
Bantry
St. Colum's Christmas Market & Santa
12th, 13th & 14th December
St Colum's GAA Club P75 HW62
Please note: Information correct at time of publishing but is subject to change, please check local arrangements
Our colleagues in HSE Public Health invite you to register for the launch of the HSE Public Health Strategy 2025-2030, on Thursday 11 December, 9:15am – 10:30am.
This strategy sets out the vision, mission and priorities for Public Health over the next five years, which aims to protect our population, prevent disease, promote good health and wellbeing, and improve health services. During the launch you will:
Learn about the background and development of the strategy;
Hear from key leaders and stakeholders on its significance within Public Health and the wider HSE reform under Sláintecare;
Discover the strategy’s objectives and how they will be achieved over the next five years.
The strategy, a first for Public Health in the HSE, was a key recommendation of the Crowe Horwath Report on the Role, Training and Career Structures of Public Health Physicians in Ireland, the Report of the Public Health Reform Expert Advisory Group; and the World Health Organization Report on the Essential Public Health Functions in Ireland.
Cork County Council's Make One Change campaign aims to encourage citizens to adopt simple yet impactful changes to their lifestyles, helping to act on the climate crisis while building fairer and more sustainable communities for future generations.
Throughout November, our library branches will deliver an exciting programme of free events—including workshops, talks, presentations, and competitions—on the following themes:
Energy
The Circular Economy: Shopping & Recycling
Ecology, Biodiversity, and Green Living
Climate Action, Travel and Community Safety
All of these events are free to attend, but booking may be required. Contact your nearest library branch for more details or to book your place see the following link: Library Directory.
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