Residents vote in elections to Community Council in Castlemartyr and MogeelyUPDATED 26 June 2009

These are really exciting times in Castlemartyr and Mogeely. Twenty four people from eight different areas have been elected as the new members of Castlemartyr and Mogeely Community Council. These members will serve all the Community on the Council for the next three years. This Community Council promises to be a vibrant force which will promote and help develop the area of Castlemartyr and Mogeely to its full potential in the years ahead.

Speaking at the election count Elisabeth Maddox Chairperson praised the work of the outgoing committee who organised the community elections. ‘This was a big undertaking for all those involved she said and they must be really commended for their commitment to the task’ ‘they must have done a great job’ she said ‘because their was such a great response to the election’.

Fr Jack Cogan PP Castlemartyr said he was delighted that people are showing a commitment to their community and he wished all those elected well in their efforts on behalf of the people.

Mr. Denis Kelly of Cork County Federation Muintir na Tíre who was invited to oversee the elections said that ‘he was delighted that Castlemartyr and Mogeely are using the Muintir na Tíre Community Council model of community development which is a tried and tested model used by communities all over Ireland to great effect’ He said ‘communities who are organised in this way can achieve a great deal on behalf of the people in their area’.

Karen Dowley PRO of Castlemartyr and Mogeely Community Council said that this was a great opportunity for the area to move forward. “I am really looking forward to seeing the results of the needs survey which was held in conjunction with the elections” This will give us the opportunity to determine what the real issues on the ground are” she said. The new Community Council will prioritise issues identified in the needs survey to help them to develop a new community action plan for the area.

Nuala O’Connell of (SECAD) the community partnership company that invests in and supports a range of projects in South & East Cork said she looked forward to working with the new Community Council. Cork County Federation Muintir na Tíre has agreed to support Castlemartyr and Mogeely Community Council and Denis Kelly will provide guidance to the new Council.

Contact Liz Maddox at 021 4623884 or 085 1341590