Cllr Dominic Finn

15/06/2026

At the recent HSE Forum meeting, I called on the HSE to increase funding for our community-based Meals on Wheels services in line with growing demand.

These organisations provide a vital lifeline to many older people, helping them to remain independent and connected within their communities.

As our population continues to age over the coming years, we must plan ahead and ensure that funding keeps pace with the increasing need for these essential services.

Supporting Meals on Wheels is an investment in the dignity, wellbeing and quality of life of older people across our county.

A spokesperson for the HSE said it would work to maintain the service demands over the coming years, despite Cork’s growing and ageing population

11/06/2026

Yesterday I was given the opportunity (Thanks to James O’Connor TD) to travel up to Leinster House and met with the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD where I was able to outline my concerns regarding the shortage of Garda resources in both Cobh and Carrigtwohill.

I made it clear to him from the outset that the purpose of the meeting was not a criticism of the Gardaí serving our communities. In fact, the members covering both areas are a credit to An Garda Síochána. Despite increasing demands and limited resources, they continue to provide a professional and dedicated service, often going above and beyond for the communities they serve.

However, they need support. Additional Gardaí are required not only to respond to emergencies, but also to carry out the everyday policing duties that people rightly expect, including call-backs to victims, CCTV follow-ups, progressing investigations and maintaining a visible presence in both Cobh, the Great Island and Carrigtwohill.

I also asked that Cobh Garda Station be considered as a station for newly attested Garda recruits, similar to Fermoy and Midleton.

The Minister did acknowledge everything that I put before him and he has given me a commitment to speak to the Garda Commissioner about the concerns.

With the combined population of Cobh and Carrigtwohill projected to reach 30,000 by 2031, it is vital that Garda resources keep pace with the growth of our communities. I will continue to advocate for the support and investment that both our Gardaí and our communities deserve.

While I was there I made the most of my visit by also making representations with regards to Education and the need for improvements.

I also acknowledge that there are many more areas that need attention in the community and I will continue to campaign on everyone’s part.

By the way, you will see from the photos that the Minister is extremely tall too, but an absolute gentleman.

I want to thank Minister O’Callaghan, Padraig O’Sullivan TD, Senators Shane Curley, Anne Rabbitte and Teresa Costello for taking the time to meet with me, and thanks again to James O’Connor for arranging.

11/06/2026

📚 Back to Education Allowance 📚


If you are unemployed, parenting alone or have a disability and are getting certain payments from the department, you may take part in a second-or third-level education course in Ireland or Northern Ireland and get a Back to Education Allowance.

You must be at least 21 years of age to get Back to Education Allowance (24 years of age if applying for a postgraduate course)

Find out:

✅ How to Qualify

✅ Rates of Payment

✅ How to Apply

Click on the link here for further details 👇

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/back-to-education-allowance/

02/06/2026

26/05/2026

MOTION on GARDA VETTING

Following my submission two weeks ago, yesterday at Full Council, I brought forward a motion asking that Cork County Council write to the Minister for Justice seeking a more efficient and streamlined Garda Vetting system for volunteers and employees involved in multiple organisations.

Garda Vetting plays a vital role in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and that protection must always remain the priority.

However, many people involved in sports clubs, schools, charities, youth groups, and community organisations have expressed frustration at having to complete the same vetting applications repeatedly for different organisations.

This issue was discussed in the Dáil recently, which shows there is recognition at national level that improvements are needed. Even if the matter is currently under review, we must continue to push for progress without delay.

I believe there is scope for a more modern and practical system, potentially through the use of a unique ID or centralised vetting recognition process, while still maintaining the highest safeguarding standards.

Volunteers are the backbone of our communities, and the systems they engage with should be efficient, user-friendly, and fit for purpose.

I want to thank all my fellow councillors for their unanimous support across the chamber.

15/05/2026

📣 Next phase of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme 📣

This non-statutory public consultation will run from May 15th to June 12th, and all information can be found on their website: www.irishrail.ie/CACR.

08/05/2026

📣 Property Activation and Town Regeneration Roadshow 📣

Cork County Council is hosting a series of drop-in roadshow clinics throughout the month of May, providing practical advice and support to those interested in bringing vacant and under-utilised properties back into productive use.

The Property Activation and Town Regeneration Roadshow is designed to engage directly with property owners, business owners, builders and technical professionals who have an interest in reusing and revitalising surplus buildings.

This includes spaces over shops, behind commercial premises, or entire vacant or under-used properties in towns and villages across the county.
The events are suited to property owners, auctioneers and valuers, small builders and developers, technical professionals involved in renovation and regeneration (including planners, architects and engineers), Chambers of Commerce and business representative groups.

A key focus of the roadshows will be to showcase the wide range of supports available to assist in bringing vacant properties back into use.

Information and guidance will be provided on:

✅ The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme (Croí Cónaithe)
✅ The new Vacant Over the Shop Grant Scheme
✅ The Buy and Renew Scheme
✅ The Repair and Lease Scheme
✅ Conservation guidance for protected structures and historic buildings
✅ Planning requirements and advice
✅ Fire and Building Control Requirements

In addition to scheme-specific information, attendees can seek advice on general queries relating to the reuse of vacant and under-utilised town centre properties.

30/04/2026

📣 CULTURE NIGHT 2026 📣

A town meeting for COBH will take place next Thursday 7th May from 3pm - 4pm at the Cobh Library, Casement Square Cobh.

This meeting will explore ideas for Culture Night, and also speak with people who would be interested in getting involved.

If you have an interest in the Arts and would like to find out more or even become involved in Culture Night 2026, please come along to the meeting.

Culture night will take place this year on Friday 18th September 2026.