Articles by Amy Campbell,EchoLive.ie

Politics

City Council moves to seek more representatives due to increase in Cork population

Cork City Council is to seek an increase of its membership from the government, as its councillor to population ratio has doubled since 2019. Green party councillor Dan Boyle proposed at Monday’s council meeting that Cork City Council would seek government legislative change that would increase the membership of this Council to better reflect increased population, added land area and greater responsibilities brought about by the 2019 city boundary extension. Currently, the ratio in Cork City, roughly 7,200 people per councillor, is higher than the national average of 5,400 people per councillor meaning each councillor in Cork City represents more residents than the typical councillor across Ireland. Rebecca Loughry, the council’s director of corporate, community and cultural affairs said: “The responsibility for determining the number of councillors per Local Authority area rests with the Minister for Local Government. “The Programme for Government 2025 provided for the establishment of the Local Democracy Taskforce for the reform and strengthening of local government in Ireland. The Local Democracy Taskforce was indeed established in June 2024, and it is currently progressing with its work schedule with the aim of delivering recommendations to Government in the first half of 2026. In relation to councillor numbers.” She explained that the taskforce has been asked to: “examine how the current number of councillors is determined and explore proposals for a framework for amendments including taking into consideration population growth since the 2014 reforms and the consequent need for an increase in the numbers of councillors to ensure appropriate representation of citizens”. Ms Loughry explained that this taskforce will finalise a programme of recommendations for the reform and strengthening of local government in Ireland, which will include recommendations in relation to the framework for determining councillor numbers, which will be considered by the government. “Any proposal to increase the number of Councillors is predicated on those recommendations,” she added. Mr Boyle’s motion received huge support at council, with many councillors speaking on the need for at least an additional councillor per ward given the amount of constituents they were currently working to represent. He told The Echo: “Cork City Council has a councillor to population ratio double what it was in 2019. "As a Council we are underrepresented on bodies that deal with a regional approach to health, education and planning. “I am encouraged that many of my Council colleagues accept the workload more than justifies additional councillors and hope that as a Council we can bring such a change about.”

Technology

Bantry hospital opens €8m endoscopy unit

A new €8m endoscopy unit at Bantry General Hospital was officially opened by health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill yesterday. The new unit has two procedure rooms, six recovery bays, a discharge lounge, and a reception area. “This new purpose-built unit will lead to an increase in endoscopy activity undertaken at Bantry General Hospital, and will be integral to tackling endoscopy waiting lists across the HSE South West region,” said Ms Carroll MacNeill. “This investment of more than €8m benefits not just the people of West Cork, but also the wider region.” Bantry General Hospital general manager Carole Croke said: “This new, modern, patient-centred facility is a significant development for the hospital. The development is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our exceptional team. “The supportive, professional environment here in Bantry has been key to bringing this project to life, and we look forward to continuing to deliver safe, high-quality care in this state-of-the-art facility.” The new unit will allow Bantry General Hospital to double its endoscopy activity. It can carry out a range of endoscopy services including colonoscopy, gastroscopy, proctoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy. It can conduct both diagnostic and therapeutic services. Referrals typically come electronically from community services, particularly GPs, and are triaged by the clinical team based on symptoms. HSE South West regional executive officer Andy Phillips also welcomed the development. “This is a significant investment made by the State,” said Dr Phillips. “My responsibility is to now ensure that we use this modern, cutting-edge facility with its new technology to the maximum of its capacity. “To do this, we will need to recruit a new team and offer this service to the entire population of Cork and Kerry. “Our communities are going to increase by 10%-15% over the next 20 years, and there is very significant growth in demand, so this is a vital facility to contribute to providing access within the Sláintecare requirements.”

Technology

Stryker honours three female Cork STEM students

Three of Cork’s highest-achieving female students have been recognised by medical technologies company Stryker, at the WISE UP Technological Awards to celebrate outstanding academic achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Founded by Stryker’s WISE (Women in Stryker’s Engineering) team in Anngrove, the annual award recognises outstanding students from Cork’s all-girls secondary schools who have achieved at least three H1 grades in STEM subjects in their Leaving Certificate and who have chosen to pursue STEM degrees at Irish universities. This year’s winners include Gemma Collins and Abi O’Connor from St. Aloysius Secondary School, and Aoibhe Sparrow from Mount Mercy College. Speaking at the event, Mag O’Keeffe, vice president of advanced operations and global additive technologies at Stryker, said: “The WISE Group at Stryker’s Anngrove location are delighted to present the WISE UP Technological Awards to these outstanding students who have shown a real passion for STEM. “These awards are about more than academic achievement – they’re about recognising potential, encouraging ambition, and showing young women that there is a place for them at the forefront of innovation.” Ms Sparrow said: “Winning this award is an incredible honour that means so much to me. "It represents recognition of my hard work, passion, and commitment to pursuing a future in science and technology. “This opportunity not only supports my education but also motivates me to keep learning, innovating, and using my education to create positive change in the world. “I am especially excited to continue my journey in pharmacy, where I hope to gain the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives through the development, preparation, and dispensing of medications.” Tricia Ryan, principal at Mount Mercy College, added: “We are delighted that one of our students has been honoured with this Stryker WISE Technological award. “This recognition not only celebrates the talent, dedication, and potential of the student, but also reflects the strong values and high standards we strive to nurture in our school community. It is very encouraging to see a leading company like Stryker acknowledge the achievements of our young people.”