Passage West and Monkstown are very beautiful towns with fantastic natural attributes. Both are on the shores of Cork Harbour, both have access points to the water, both can boast wonderful shoreside amenities, including walks, fishing and cycling. Both are Victorian towns with commensurately dignified architecture. And both have a vast resource of heritage.
Over the past 10 years as an elected member of Passage West/Monkstown Town Council, I have focused on enhancing the natural and built attributes of Passage West and Monkstown. I have done this both individually and with the support of the Town Council. All work has been done in a very collaborative way with Cork County Council. It has been said on several occasions that our Town Council was “punching above its weight”. I am proud to think the representation I made and the work I was involved in contributed to that.
Some of the main projects I have worked on over the past 10 years are described below.
Worked towards balancing infrastructure, schools and amenities throughout the Celtic Tiger Era
Prepared Architectural Design Guidelines for our towns on behalf of the Town Council
Introduced the Maritime Heritage theme in Passage West as a brand from which the town could move forward
Sourced funding for and designed the Passage West/Monkstown Railway Trail
Designed and written several interpretative panels to highlight special areas in our towns
Part of the Cork Harbour Forum and its Advisory Group working towards integrated management of Cork Harbour
Played key role in twice defeating a proposed hazardous waste incinerator in Cork Harbour
Part of a team working on a Community Profile and Description of Family Support Services in our towns
Working with Cork County Council on establishing a Multi-Use Games Area in Passage West
Ongoing liaison with the gardai, elected representatives and community on the local Joint Policing Committee
Worked with local residents to run an annual Bonfire Night Party
Founding member and Secretary of Passage West Tidy Towns; ongoing volunteer work and liaison with SECAD
Secured funding and installed pet waste bins at key locations in Passage West
Organised and ran the Passage West Dog Show
Instigated, designed and wrote the Passage West/Monkstown website, a non-political community resource