Cork County Public Participation Network NewsWINTER 2017

PPN NEWSLETTER

Email:

ppn@corkcoco.ie

Telephone:

021 4285340

Website:www.corkcountyppn.com

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Cork County Comhairle na nÓg AGM 2017 02

Cork County Older Peoples Council 04

MapAlerter 04

Cork OPC event in the Westlodge Hotel Bantry 05

Community Facilities Scheme 2017 06

Seasonal Fire Safety Tips 06

Thank You Message 08

CORK COUNTY PPN Winter Newsletter2

Cork County Comhairle na nÓg AGM 2017 was held on Thursday November 16th last. 21 schools were represented from throughout Cork County. The event was officially opened by Cllr. John Paul O’ Shea. The theme of this year’s event was Equality.

Cork County Comhairle na nÓg AGM 2017

CORK COUNTY PPN Winter Newsletter 3

Food, entertainment & making new friends with a view on 17th Floor!

The event provided the opportunity for a showcase of sexual education work undertaken by the Comhairle to date. All attendees completed a sexual education survey. 70 new members signed up on the day to continue the great work of the Comhairle.

CORK COUNTY PPN Winter Newsletter

Cork County Older Peoples Council was established in 2015 by Cork County Council, as part of the Cork Age Friendly County Programme.

The Council is made up of an Executive Committee and a wider group of members who meet twice a year to celebrate positive ageing and their achievements. The council aims to be as representative as possible, by representing older people from all walks of life, including people who can’t take part directly in the decision making process; such as those living in residential care and people suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

On the 20th November 2017, the Cork County Older Peoples Council hosted an event in the Charleville Park Hotel with the aim of promoting health, wealth and happiness as we age. The event provided the opportunity for people from across North Cork to learn, network and share ideas.

Cork County Older Peoples Council

Cork County Alerts

Do you want to know when Roads in your area are Closed?

It is a free service that gives Cork County Council the ability to issue alerts. Rather than informing an entire town about a specific road closure, all alerts are mapped so only the affected residents are notified.

You can register for a free account to receive alerts by SMS text message, email or smartphone app notification. You can also sign up to get alerts through Facebook Messenger when an alert is issued for your location.

It is quick and easy to register – just click on the link

https://www.corkcoco.ie/roads-community-services/cork-county-alerts or go to www.corkcoco.ie.

MapAlerter

MapAlerter issues warnings for...

• Floods

• Severe weather alerts from Met Eireann

• Road Closures due to severe weather e.g. Storm Ophelia

• Road Closures due to scheduled Road Works

• Planning Application Alerts

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Photo above, Left to Right - Cllr Ian Doyle, Rita Kearney - Secretary of the Cork Older Peoples Council, Liz Maddox - Chairperson of the Cork Older Peoples Council, Aileen Hurley - Cork Age Friendly Coordinator, Shane Winters - Age Friendly Consultant

CORK COUNTY PPN Winter Newsletter

On the 27th November 2017, the Cork County Older Peoples Council held a celebratory event in the Westlodge Hotel in Bantry.

Minister Jim Daly, Minister for Mental Health and Older People attended the event and spoke about issues affecting older people in the County. He also held a Q&A session with the attendees at the event. The Chair of the OPC, Ms Liz Maddox and Mr James Fogarty, Chair of the Age Friendly Alliance also spoke.

There were over 200 members of the County OPC at the event from all over Cork County. Speeches were followed by a 2 course lunch and dancing until the late afternoon.

For further information on the Cork Age Friendly Programme or on the Older Peoples Council in Cork please contact Aileen Hurley at 021 4285900 or at Aileen.hurley@corkcoco.ie

Cork OPC event in the Westlodge Hotel Bantry

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CORK COUNTY PPN Winter Newsletter

The scheme was advertised in June of this year  and offered disadvantaged urban and rural community groups access to capital funding in order to kick-start, advance or complete a range of worthwhile projects.

The 2017 scheme was funded by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and local Government with support from the Local Community Development Committees (LCDC) and the Municipal Districts of Cork County Council.

The scheme provides one-off small-scale capital grants up to a maximum of €1,000 per project.

Examples of eligible projects under the scheme include:

•Community Centre Equipment

•Office Equipment / Meeting Furniture

•Sports / Recreation Facilities

•Relevant Tools, Machinery and Appliances

Commenting on the scheme, Mayor Hurley noted the many opportunities available, “Over 183 applications were received as part of the Community Facilities Scheme 2017 resulting in an average of 8 grants awarded in each Municipal District.  All grants will go towards much needed equipment and facilities for many worthwhile projects within communities throughout the county.”

Community Facilities Scheme 2017Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Declan Hurley has welcomed the allocation of €64,000 to 68 Community Groups across Cork County under the Community Facilities Scheme 2017.

If your group received funding under CFS 2017 and you’d like to share some photos of how you put the grant to use we’d love to hear from you!

Send your photos to ppn@corkcoco.ie

Tip 1: Christmas Trees dry out and make very good fuel to start a fire. Make sure your tree has a good base or is attached to the wall. Keeping your Christmas tree well hydrated is the best way to fireproof it. Plain water is best. Never burn your old tree in a stove / fireplace as this may result in a chimney fire.

Tip 2: Check that artificial Christmas trees are pre-treated to increase flame resistance and remember to water your real tree. Keep trees away from heaters and open fires and dispose of them properly.

Tip 3: Make sure the wiring on your lights is not worn or frayed. If in doubt, throw them out. Don’t overload sockets. One socket, one plug.

Tip 4: Only buy Christmas lights marked with a safety standard. Unplug lights at bedtime or when leaving your home.

Tip 5: Make sure the lights you hang outside are suitable for outdoor use. Follow manufacturers’ instructions when installing outdoor lights and NEVER use an indoor extension lead outdoors.

Tip 6: Install a smoke alarm and check it weekly. Smoke alarms make good presents as they are for life…saving life.

Tip 7: Always use a proper candleholder and make sure the candle fits firmly inside it. Leave plenty of space above and around the candle.

Tip 8: Be careful with any decorations placed near the fireplace.

Tip 9: The main causes of fire at Christmas are candles burning unprotected, fairy lights left on all night or badly wired. Other causes are Christmas trees falling over, open fires without fireguards, and decorations catching fire.

Tip 10: We wish everyone a safe Christmas. View the safety tips on the Department of Housing website to help STOP fire.

Tip 11: In the event of a fire in your home “Get Out, Stay Out And Call the Fire Brigade Out”. Call the Fire Service on 999/112.

Tip 12: Never leave candles unattended. Keep them away from curtains, Christmas cards and anything that can catch fire.

The 12 Tips For ChristmasYou’ve all heard of the 12 days of Christmas, we’re going to share the 12 tips of Christmas:

The Fire and Rescue Service wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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CORK COUNTY PPN Winter Newsletter

In the build up to Christmas and the New Year, fire safety may be the last thing on people’s minds. After all, it’s a time of celebration and get-togethers with family and friends. However, the festive season can give rise to a range of fire risks which, if people fail to guard against them, can lead to very real tragedies. The fact of the matter is that when people get together and celebrate, there are more deaths and injuries from fire.

Think about it. People are often relaxed or distracted, cooking in a hurry and drinking or smoking. Homes are usually decked out with extra lights, candles and combustible decorations. In short, a host of potential risks are introduced into your ‘Safe Home’, so too are the possible consequences of failing to deal with them properly.

Preventive StepsThe most obvious point is to ensure that a properly functioning smoke alarm is fitted in your home, that it is fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions and tested on a monthly basis at least.

Smoke alarms or fire detection systems will provide occupants with an early warning of fire in their premises and should help ensure that they evacuate safely and can then call the fire services. However, there are a number of preventive steps that people can take to reduce the likelihood of a fire breaking out in the first place – starting with checking lights.

Fairy lights, Christmas tree lights and candles get used less often than everyday lights and they need more care.

Safety tips include: •Check that the fuses for electrical lights are the right type

•Ensure lights and candles are not left unattended for long periods or when you go to sleep

•Ensure light bulbs do not touch anything that can burn easily, like paper

•Run electric flexes from tree lights and displays behind furniture instead of underneath carpets or mats

•Ensure that electrical sockets are not overloaded

•Place candles carefully – do not put them in or by a Christmas tree, plants or flowers and keep them away from curtains, furniture and electrical equipment

•Do not put candles where they could be knocked over easily or in holders that may fall over

•Make sure candles are completely extinguished

Checking DecorationsLights represent a clear risk if they are not checked and controlled, and the same goes for decoration, be it trees, stockings, Christmas cards or presents. These types of items burn easily and should not be attached to lights or heaters or placed near to fireplaces or candles. All decorations, including the trees, should be flame retardant; party poppers or streamers should never be used where there are naked flames from candles, fires etc; and any wrapping paper should be tidied away soon after the presents have been opened. Likewise, extra care should be taken if people are smoking and drinking – for example, all ashtrays should be emptied (first making sure the contents are cold ).

Following the tips above should help ensure a safe Christmas and New Year but it is also essential to be prepared in case a fire does break out. A simple and easy to follow Evacuation Drill should be central to every family’s fire safety activities. In the event of fire each member of the family must know how to get out of the house. This should include visiting friends or relations so that everyone will know what to do in order to escape quickly and safely. Remember make your plans and get out alive.

This is particularly relevant at this time of year since more people - including children and the elderly - are likely to be staying in home than usual.

Taking steps to ensure Christmas goes ahead safely at work and at home may not be on most people’s list of priorities as they rush to buy last minute gifts and prepare to hold celebrations. But following these simple guidelines will help to ensure that the only surprises this Christmas are pleasant ones.

Seasonal Fire Safety in the HomePreventive Steps from Cork County Fire & Building Control Department

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CONTACT US!E: ppn@corkcoco.ie | T: 021 4285 340 | www.corkcountyppn.comOur website www.cOrkcOuntyppn.cOm is currently under review. please bear with us and check back sOOn fOr updates.

SAFETY TIPS

Thank You NoelleIn 2015 the PPN Secretariat oversaw the recruitment of a PPN Co-ordinator whose role includes supporting the secretariat to develop the PPN in Cork County and collaborating with Cork County Council and other statutory bodies to develop the PPN as the reference point for the environmental, community & voluntary and social inclusion sectors in the county.

Noelle Desmond was appointed as PPN Co-ordinator for Cork County PPN in November 2015.

In taking up the role as PPN Co-Ordinator Noelle brought her knowledge and experience of over 10 years working with Cork County Council.

Noelle worked closely with the Cork County PPN Secretariat to promote citizen engagement and to strengthen linkages between communities and their Council. Some notable achievements of Noelle’s time as PPN Co-Ordinator include the establishment of 12 PPN Linkage groups, developing the Cork County PPN brand and website along with establishing Cork County PPN on Facebook and Twitter. Noelle was in regular contact with all PPN member groups

providing updates on funding opportunities, training events and public consultations.

Finbarr Harrington,   Convenor Cork County PPN, wishes to congratulate Noelle on her recent promotion to the Customer Services Transformation Team of Cork County Council.

“On behalf of Cork County PPN Secretariat I’d like to thank Noelle for all her work for the PPN. Throughout her time as PPN Co-Ordinator Noelle was a pleasure to work with and we wish her all the very best in her new role.”