Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has welcomed the announcement of €21,750 support for the Corona Cork Film Festival.  Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring TD has today (Thursday) announced €180,000 to support ten festivals taking place all around Ireland this year.
 
“The funding announced by the Minister will help develop and promote the Cork Film Festival.  It will ensure that it continues to be a successful event on Cork’s calendar of festivals.
 
“This year’s festival will be the 57th time the annual event takes place.  It has become an event to look forward to each year.  I’m confident that with this funding, continued local support and the dedication of the staff and volunteers this year’s Cork Film Festival will be another resounding success, continuing to build on its reputation as a premier festival for screening short films.
 
“Cork is a festival city, all through the year there are different events and festival attracting tourists to the city.  These festivals give the city an unrivalled vibrancy, they make it a great place to spend a weekend and to socialise with family and friends.
 
“Locally and nationally tourism is an important contributor to our economy, supporting festivals and events that attract visitors is vital to developing the tourism industry.  Festivals can act as an incentive for people to visit and spend money which adds to the local economy.”

Posted under Cork, Cork City, National Work, Tourism

Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, Jerry Buttimer, has welcomed funding totalling €110,000 for Cork City and County to help tackle the problem of litter and graffiti. The funding has been announced by the Minister for Environment, Phil Hogan, as part of the provision of more than €2 million in grants to local authorities nationwide.
 
“Maintaining the appearance of towns and villages across Cork is not only important for the morale of people living in local communities; it is a key factor in driving economic growth and boosting tourism figures. The funding being provided by Minister Hogan will help local authorities to tackle littering through awareness raising, enforcement and the maintenance of tourist areas.
 
“A total of €70,000 has been allocated to Cork under the Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Scheme. Using this money, local authorities will be able to select projects that promote greater public awareness and education in relation to litter and graffiti. This includes supporting voluntary initiatives run by community groups, which play such a vital role in the upkeep of our towns and villages.
 
“In a bid to ensure that locations that are popular with tourists are kept clean, €40,000 is being provided to Cork under the Tourist Season Anti-Litter Grant. This will help with the maintenance of visitor locations such as beaches, scenic areas and approach roads to access points like airports and ferry ports. Litter can leave a very poor and lasting impression on visitors, so we must do all we can to ensure popular locations are kept in top shape.
 
“A further €750,000 is being made available nationally under the new Litter Enforcement Scheme, to help crack down on littering and illegal dumping. This money can be used by local authorities to deploy mobile CCTV cameras and other measures to identify those responsible for these activities.
 
“We all have a role to play in the upkeep of our own communities. Local authorities, community and voluntary groups all do excellent work to maintain the appearance of streets, roads and scenic areas; this funding from Minister Hogan will help to support them in this work.”

Posted under Carrigaline, Cork, Cork City, Douglas, Environment, National Work

Speaking in advance of the close of the GAA’s Annual Congress, when Christy Cooney’s three year term as President of the GAA will come to an end, Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy, Jerry Buttimer said that during his time as President, Christy has shown himself to have been a progressive leader of the country’s largest sporting and cultural organisation. 
 
“I would like to congratulate Christy for his commitment and dedication to the GAA.  Tribute should be paid to his wife, Ann, and family who, during his term as President, have been equally committed to the GAA, making many sacrifices to enable Christy to carry out his duties.
 
“Over the last three years, in difficult economic times, the GAA has managed to maintain attendance levels at its games.  Christy’s leadership in reducing ticket prices has been key to this success.
 
“One of the highlights of Christy’s tenure was the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Croke Park.  Organising and laying the groundwork for that historic day took courage and required leadership.  On that day, the GAA was shown to be a progressive organisation that respects cultural and historic differences.
 
“I’m sure that after a hectic three years Christy will take some time for himself and his family.  After that I am in no doubt that for many years to come he will continue to use his vast experience to assist the GAA in Cork and across the country.
 
“I would also wish the incoming president, Liam O’Neill, every success during his time in office.  Having previously worked with Liam I am confident that he will be a fine ambassador for the GAA, continuing in a long line of GAA presidents who have led the organisation from strength to strength.”

Posted under Cork, Sport